In the wake of all the school shootings in the past fifteen years gun control has become a more serious issue than before. Gun control has always been a concern in the United States, but not until the first major school shootings at Columbine High School in Littleton, Colorado did this topic become a reality to the American public. In 1999, this massacre left fifteen people dead including the assassins. And just recently on March 5, 2001 did the tradition continue, when Charles Andrew Williams killed two classmates, leaving many injured in Santee California.
School shootings has become a very popular topic in the arguments for gun control. Gun control laws focus on making guns more difficult to obtain, as well as easier to trace (Smith 4). Although, many see gun control as a violation of their amendments. The second amendment in the constitution proclaims that as citizens of the United States, a person has “the right to bear arms.” Now, this amendment does not apply to everyone, those who have been convicted of a felony may not own a gun. One can take three sides in the political battle over gun control. The sides are for gun control, against gun control, or gun control with restrictions. It is all very confusing, but somehow the Democratic and Republican parties make it easier for us to understand. In their own words of course, and sometimes they might agree with each other. Sometimes....
The Republican Party believes in the second amendment of the constitution. The Republican Party also has the support of the NRA, which is the National Rifle Association. The NRA supported the election of out current president, George W. Bush who according to the NRA follows the standard gun owner’s line. Which are harsher penalties against “gun-toting” criminals, but no more regulations for worthy citizens who take guns seriously (NRA). The Republicans feel that law-abiding citizens should have the right to their protection against criminals. This is the Republican’s point of view, make the consequences harsh and the number of violations will go down.
The Democratic Party has pledged their faith in the concept of gun control. The Democratic Party has support from law enforcement and such organizations as the Million Mom March for gun control. They feel that more laws restrict people from using their weapons in a harmful manner. They feel that tighter laws are needed and an increase in penalties (Phinney). They feel that gun companies should not be spared from liability lawsuits, and feel that guns should not be apparent in society (Smith 7). After the shooting of six year old Kayla Rolland, by her...
