Gun Control in the US

Today in U.S., restricting guns to young children's access had been widely known to public (Gary 1447-1464). However, there are still many incidents were kids have managed to get their hands on the firearm (Paul Mark 85-114). First example that comes to mind would be of course columbine incident, where two teenagers killed 12 fellow students and the teacher (Gary 3-36). Motive for these teenagers is still unknown, but main cause of this disastrous event was still done by loose control of guns. “Teenager can only do so much damage with his fists," said Sen. Charles Schumer (Shannon Stephen 347-360). If guns were to be controlled teenagers wouldn't be able to get their hands on the gun. THE person armed with the gun seems to be more dangerous than someone armed with the bat.

Reason that handguns are “out of control” in U.S could be due to second amendment in Bill of Rights recognizing right to keep and bear arms (Gary 1447-1464). This could very well be reason why U.S has weakest gun regulations, and highest gun violence than all other countries. Only law Americans have regarding gun control is “Brady law”. This law was implemented in 1993 and requires the background check be done, and the five day waiting period before you get to keep gun. However, in 1998 five day background check was replaced by the mandatory, computerized national check system. This system only takes the few minutes to do the background check on firearm purchases (Paul Mark 85-114). Consequently, process to buy the gun only takes the few minutes. This fast and easy way to buy the gun explains high rate of violence in America. In Any other country, amount of deaths due to handguns is low in comparison to U.S. laws pertaining to firearms are very different in any other country. In 1995, Prime Minister Jean Chrétien demanded and got Firearms Act, the national system of firearm registration and licensing. Since December 1, 1998 Canadian Firearms Act of 1995 went into full effect, and Canadians are now required to register their firearms no later then January 2003. Firearms Act requires that in order to purchase the gun the “possession and acquisition” license is mandatory (Gary 3-36). In Any other country possession of handguns is restricted to collectors, target shooters and those who demonstrate need of guns to protect their live (Shannon Stephen 347-360). U.S has not such restriction. Another very different component any other country is Firearms Act requires the safety course be taken. In order to own or buy the rifle, shotgun or handgun safety course must be accomplished. Limitations and laws regarding gun control in any other country are very distinctive compared to U.S. high volume of gun violence in states correlates to its weak gun regulations (Gary 1447-1464). This in turn reflects amount of violence that is portrayed on American programs (Paul Mark 85-114).

It would be preposterous not to include what American and Canadian governments are undertaking as the result of ...