Stephanie L. Valant
November 28, 2014
0900-0950
Gun Control Controversial
Pro vs. Con “Second Amendment to the Constitution of the United States of America Ratified December 13, 1791 states: A well-regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed.” (Ref: TeachingAmericanHistory.org) The many Americans that are for gun control and those that are against gun control have taken apart our Second Amendment. Everyone has their own opinion and or understanding as to what it means. They have twisted it and turned it into what they think it should mean. In order to understand the Second Amendment, we must learn about the history of gun control in America. According to Soyouwanna.com, in the post-revolution era, the Framers of the Constitution faced the daunting task of constructing an entire legal system. The Framers, many of whom were driven to revolution by the unwanted presence of British soldiers, envisioned a United States without a standing army, but rather one that depended upon local militias to ensure its sovereignty. In front of this backdrop, James Madison authored the now Second Amendment to the Constitution. According to clearpictureonline.com, the following is a small list of reasons that are from people that are pro-gun control. The list is actually longer. Guns are not safe. There are too many accidents involving children playing with guns or accidental discharges due to careless or inexperienced adults. Semi-automatic weapons are intended for military use and have no business in the hands of civilians for either self-protection or sport. Current gun registration laws are not adequate for law enforcement. To help prevent and to help solve crimes, guns should be registered and characterized before they are used to commit a crime. The only ones that would be threatened by this policy would be criminals. The next list is from people that are anti-gun control, they believe in their right to bear arms. The Second Amendment was added to our Constitution because the founders believed that private ownership of guns was necessary for protection of our liberties. Gun laws punish honest citizens. If guns were out-lawed, criminals would still find ways to arm themselves. Restrictions to gun ownership put citizens at the mercy of gun-toting criminals. Guns protect the rights and freedoms of the individual. It was privately held guns that helped the colonists rise up against the British. Guns don’t kill people, people do. We need to concentrate on the values and morals of our citizens and at the role the media plays in glorifying violence and the lack of respect for the law. On the issues states, “Our former Governor, Neal Abercrombie, (D.) is pro-gun control. In fact the National Rifle Association gave him an “F” on his ideas on gun control.” “Duke Aiona, (R) is anti-gun control, however, his stand is that no private citizen should be allowed to carry a concealed firearm. He stated, “As a former State judge, I understand the Second Amendment, which allows for the ownership of firearms.” David Ige, our current Governor, supports background checks, but, opposes concealed carry.” On the other hand, Rep. Colleen Hanabusa is the U.S. Representative for Hawaii’s 1st Congressional District. According to Robert Farago, who wrote on September 29, 2013, regarding Hanabusa’s idea’s on gun control, “Hanabusa paints a picture of a gun control island paradise, where “common sense limits on gun ownership” have helped Hawaii achieve and preserve “our low level of gun-related violence.” Wrong. “Hawaii is a “may issue” state. Local (not state) law enforcement authorities decide whether or not residents get to exercise their natural, civil and constitutionally protected right to bear arms—according to criteria of four county police chiefs’ choosing. Oh, and just like Rhode