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Gun Control Essay

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Americans participated in a great debate through the 60's, 70's, 80's, and into the 90's. It is the argument of whether handguns, shotguns, and rifles should be restricted or banned. This debate over ownership of a firearm has produced strong emotions through the past years and does not seem to be abating. Does the U.S. Constitution give people the right, or should guns be restricted or banned because they are used in the commission of many crimes? Some argue that the right to bear arms is not as vital today as it was in the 1700's, or that it does not apply to individuals. Others argue that it is an individual right guaranteed by the Constitution to own a firearm.

It is obvious that the nation does not want guns in the hands of …show more content…

This came in after the assassination attempt by Jim Hinckley on Reagan, and his press secretary, Jim Brady was shot. On one side this will allow a check on the buyer, to see if they have a criminal record, are mentally unstable, or is a minor. The other side of it is anyone who can wait a week for a gun is a kind of person who shouldn't have one. The bill supposedly will lessen gun violence, according to pollsters. Ross Perot commented during the 1992 election, that the Brady bill was a "timid step in the right direction but won't fix the problem, so why pass a law that won't fix it." Now the bill has passed, after seven years, and was reduced to five days, but will it achieve its goal? It took so long to pass the bill that the Clinton administration and congressional leadership are not likely eager for another handgun proposal. But Clinton said on "Good morning America" on June 4, 1999, "People ought to have to register guns like they register their cars." The Clinton-Gore administration is misusing the national instant check system to retain the identities of firearm purchasers. Government records on gun owners supposedly protect society. The public view on rising violence, may force gun control onto the agenda again.

The public is truly split on whether there ought to be a total ban on handguns. But the

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