America’s improving gun control

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Ryne Feucht, Writer

When the subject of gun control is brought to our attention, it is immediately recognized as a worldwide issue. According to White House.gov, more than four million Americans have been victims of assaults, robberies and other crimes involved a gun in the last decade. Also according to White House.gov, more than 30,000 deaths have occurred in America just last year due to guns being in the possession of the wrong hands. These numbers clearly show the major problems America faces with gun control.

Under the U.S Constitution, the second amendment states, “Every citizen has a fundamental right to bear arms in defense of himself or herself and the state. Any restriction on this right shall be subject to strict scrutiny.”

Not many people abide by this in any means. Throughout the U.S, guns are possessed illegally all the time. According to a study by the Washington Post, from 1980 to now, over 40 murderers possessed guns illegally.  From these illegal guns, way too many mass murders have happened. Other shootings have occurred at places of worship, movie theaters or most importantly, schools. Also, some major school shootings were at Columbine and Sandy Hook; however, there have been many more. It just shows that ordinary people can possess guns too easily and it can be a big danger to our country.

Over the last decade however, gun possession has decreased. A study from the Washington Post showed that in 2014, gun ownership in a U.S household was 31% compared to households without a gun which was 65.7%.  This benefits a lot of America if the guns have been solely used for defensive purposes. It has kept bad people from using guns to commit crimes.  Unfortunately, that has not always been the case when it has come to safety across our country.

On the bright side, President Obama is doing a lot to improve gun control for our country. ATF, also known as the Bureau of alcohol, tobacco, firearms and explosives, and Obama, are coordinating to help make it a lot harder for guns to be obtained. Their job is to protect our society from violent crimes, criminal organizations and the illegal use and trafficking of firearms. Additionally, background checks are being improved vastly. The new implemented system will include information that prohibits mental health patients from obtaining a gun. Also, Obama’s 2017 national budget will be able to fund at least 200 more ATF agencies and investigators to help enforce gun laws. Likewise, a 500 million dollar investment is being put towards mental health institutions to help insure sick people do not get a gun in their hands. Last, but certainly not least, Obama is working with homeland security to sponsor research for gun technology.

These are some of the most important things being done right now to help enforce better gun control. Although shootings have skyrocketed over the past decade or so, our government and protection agencies have taken notice to it. Both the President and our government are doing everything possible to make our country a safer place for everyone.