Critical Thinking Part 2

Gun Control

Curtis Taylor

Professor Shawn Varghese

Critical Thinking

July 13, 2016

Part 1: Prewriting

Gun control

Regulation of firearms in the United States has been a controversial issue for quite a long time now. Several laws and policies have been enacted to help facilitate adequate control of gun ownership, their sale, manufacture, as well as jurisdiction. Civilian populations are at a higher risk of being victims of crime (Mat, 2011). However, gun laws vary around the world in different jurisdictions. Typically, some countries have enacted laws where specific categories of firearms are set aside to be used by specific categories of people. In my view, the widespread ownership of guns in different countries is the cause of dangers and increased criminal activities associated with gun violence. On the other hand, citizens need to be able to generally defend themselves. While the issue of gun control remains controversial, measures need to be put in place to ensure that regulations are favorable to citizens, aimed at protecting the citizens and the nation at large for peace to prevail and for gun violence cases to be reduced.

Premises

a) Gun control increases criminal gun ownership

In the event that guns are outlawed in the country, this measure will give rise to criminal ownership of guns. With regulations put in place, it is easier for the state to identify the legal owners of the firearms, and fish out those who are in possession of guns if they are not able to produce papers to prove legal ownership of the same. Support has been geared towards permitting concealed carrying of weapons especially in New Mexico. With this, most advocates of this premise believe that less violence will be noted in the country. Criminals ill also be keen not to invade a person’s premise due to the fear that they might own weapons. The entre society becomes neutralized as a result of leniency when it comes to regulating gun ownership especially in the United States. Restrictions on gun ownership are only associated with the encouragement of outlaws to possess heavy ammunition and high caliber weapons in the state.

b) Self-defense is a fundamental right

According to the national Rifle Association’s Institute for Legislative action, statistics prove that the group which is consistently advocating for reduced gun control point out the right to possess fire arms for the sake of self-defense. Violent crime however, goes down where people are allowed to legally carry guns. The society on the other hand, is characterized by ignorance of the rights of minority groups, who end up suffering in almost any crime scene. These are the groups that believe so much in self-defense, and are of the opinion that gun control laws should not be enacted. Every citizen is entitled to self-defense, and with gun ownership permits extended to the most vulnerable groups, they are most likely not going to be victims of harassment by criminals anymore.

c) Gun bans do not deter crime

The federal assault weapons ban bill was signed in 1994 by bill Clinton. The bill however, has had less support to the extent of not being renewed for quite a long time now (Elbow, 2006). The NRA is keen to argue that assault weapons have never been used in small percentages as compared to the firearm related violent crimes. Banning the use of guns will not help salvage the situation in the different regions in different countries. It is evident that gun violence is more of a moral issue, and has to be looked into from a totally different perspective. Crime control needs to be handled from a totally different level. Law enforcement agencies should be able to determine the true cause of criminal related activities and find alternative means of dealing with gun violence. Retrieving weapons does not necessary help prevent crime.

Gun control increases criminal gun ownership

a) What's interesting or helpful about this view?

This view helps interpret different legislations at the level of different groups of people. There is a need to realize that different people have different views with regard to gun control.

b) What would I notice if I believed this view?

If I believed this view, I would be less opinionated regarding the issue of gun control. Ethically, every individual wants criminal activities reduced.

c) In what sense or under what conditions might this idea be true?"

This idea might only be true in the sense that everyone possessing guns remains peace making and law abiding. There is a need to be more aware of the different perceptions and thoughts of different groups of people in the society.

Self-defense is a fundamental right

i. What's interesting or helpful about this view?

Gun ownership clearly makes one feel secure. This view is however interesting considering that people may just use the law to commit crimes and attribute it to self-defense.

ii. What would I notice if I believed this view?

If I believed in this view, I would strongly advocate for reduced gun control legislations, especially to protect individual life threatened by criminal activities.

iii. In what sense or under what conditions might this idea be true?"

The idea might only be true where everyone is keen to protect their lives and not victimize others through defending themselves.

Gun bans do not deter crime

a. What's interesting or helpful about this view?

This view helps law enforcement agencies realize the alternative measures to curbing criminal activities.

b. What would I notice if I believed this view?

Believing in this view will mean embracing the use of guns, and not advocating for gun bans in the society.

c. In what sense or under what conditions might this idea be true?"

This idea might only be true in the event that state agencies are keener towards enhancing criminal control, and ensuring that crime is controlled in other levels of the society and the nation at large.

Conclusion

My view on gun control is driven by the increased criminal activities in the country and the world as a whole. However, I would recommend various alternatives for the sake of enhancing gun control in different jurisdictions;

a) Universal background checks

b) Regulation for gun dealers

c) Reinstatement of the ban on federal assault weapons

d) Development of more effective gun technology

e) Creation of emphasis on safe storage of firearms

f) Prevention of gun sale to individuals under psychiatric evaluation

g) Restoration of the CDC’s freedom

Most people commit murder and defend themselves in court, specifically attributing their actions to the need of self-defense. There is a need to ensure that gun use and such defenses are not only meant for the purpose of avoiding punishment, as a result of intentional murder. Gun control should not be viewed as a measure of escaping liability (Matt, 2011). Gun control comes along with numerous privileges; reduction in social costs, decreased suicide rates, protection of women from domestic abuse and stalkers and more so, reduction in gun deaths.

References

Elbow, P. (2006). The Believing Game and How to Make Conflicting Opinions More Fruitful. Retrieved from: http://www.procon.org/sourcefiles/believinggame.pdf

Matt, D. (2011). Gun Control: Preventing Violence. New York: Cambridge press