"When the strong man fully armed guardeth his own court, his goods are in peace."
- Jesus Christ [Luke 11:21.6]
Historical context
The historical aspect is one of the largest parts of the anti-gun control supporters. Dating back to the second amendment, the backbone of their case. The belief being that the Founding Fathers intended to place few, if any, restrictions on gun ownership. Private firearms were seen as an antidote to government tyranny. This seems a little far-fetched in the 21st Century, but America takes great pride in its heritage and especially anything related to freedom and the Civil War.
Who represents the Con Side?
Again there is a stereotype that fills the shoes of the anti-gun control person. It is usually a beer drinking, redneck from the Deep South who has a confederate flag tattooed somewhere on his body. But again the argument is usually made by someone who owns a gun responsibly and feels he has the right to protect himself. "Thirty million Americans use firearms responsibly every year and have done so for generations," said Robert Delfay, president of the National Shooting Sports Foundation. "Many more Americans use firearms to protect themselves than to attack someone."
The interview that I conducted was with a worker in Ed's Gun store in Cupertino, off Steven's Creek Blvd. They did not feel threatened by gun control. "The Second Amendmend was put there for a reason, it ain't going to change, not in my lifetime anyway."
Significant Landmarks
Like the pro side, many of the significant events were tragedies. But despite these, the anti- gun control masses still preach "guns don't kill people, people kill people."
Current Status
As you can imagine neither side is willing to back down on the issue. As I mentioned before, it is looking more and more likely that the courts will become involved in the near future. Like nearly all ethical issues there is no right or wrong answer, it is a matter of opinion. I think it is highly unlikely that owning a gun will be illegal in the US, it is a way of life in some parts of the country. But on the other hand with the way things are going at the moment, especially with the increasing political involvement I think you will start to see some big steps taken in the direction of stricter laws regarding firearms. I think some sort of agreement will be reached. By tightening the rules that already apply today and introducing some others into the equation I think both sides will be as happy as could be achieved.
2ndamendment.com
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 National Rifle Association - incorporated in 1871 to provide firearms training and encourage interest in the shooting sports. Guncite.com - A large site with info on laws, the 2nd amendment, related links and articles. National Shooting Sports Foundation - Website for the foundation, with press releases, articles and suggested locations for hunting and fishing. |
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