Gun Control

One of the most controversial issues affecting our country and my community right now is gun control. Gun control laws and controversy are on the news almost every night and in the news paper almost every Sunday. Ever since the shooting in Newtown, Connecticut, there have been many different meetings held on the issue and more people are speaking their minds and expressing their opinions. Connecticut currently has in place the toughest and strictest gun control laws. According to the NRA Institute for Legislative Action, the law is as follows: “No state permit is required for the purchase of rifles or shotguns. No sale or delivery of a rifle or shotgun can be made until the expiration of two weeks from the date of application for purchase. (Does not apply to law enforcement officers, active duty military personnel, and holders of a valid state permit to carry a handgun, holders of a valid hunting license or antique firearms.) No state permit is required for the possession of rifles, shotguns or handguns. A person must be twenty-one years of age to possess a handgun. A permit to carry a pistol or revolver is required to carry a handgun on or about one’s person, either openly or concealed, or in a vehicle.” Recently, President Obama tried to put in place stronger background checks, but the senate vetoed it. President Obama, the Newtown families, and many people across America are disappointed. According to President Obama, ninety percent of America is for stronger background checks. Therefore it was a shock to many that senators voted this way.

I interviewed Ericka Anglisano who feels very strongly that we should not have the right to bear arms and that the laws “need to be stricter and stronger”. Her reasons for this are that she “doesn’t think that we as individuals have the right to inflict harm on others.” She also believes this right “promotes violence”. How come all of this gun control controversy is happening after Sandy Hook? Not after the Colorado movie theater shooting or the shooting in 1999. Ericka tells me “The people affected in Sandy Hook may feel stronger about this. It could also have to do with the people currently in political office.” Ericka told me that Sandy Hook did not change her opinion, it only made it stronger. What about the responsible gun owners? What about the sportsmen and the hunters? Shouldn’t there be an exception for them? “Yes,” Ericka tells me “but unfortunately there are horrible incidents that make you reflect ‘should anyone be able to exercise this right?’” Her husband is for the right to bear arms. I asked her how that made her feel and she said “Everyone is entitled to their own opinion.” When asked if she thinks that gun laws will really help our country, she answered “I hope so.”

On the other hand, Larry Anglisano is feels as though “responsible citizens have the right to bear arms per their constitutional rights.” Larry is a member of the NRA and he says they “help protect this freedom.” Larry says he started feeling this way about gun laws after the recent tragedies. He believes that “responsible citizens have the right to protect themselves and their families under all guidelines of state and federal laws.” Larry does not think that “gun laws will help remove guns from hands of criminals.” As far as background checks are concerned, Larry feels as though “people will find ways to slip through the cracks. But extensive and complete background checks including psychological proofing should be a prerequisite to obtaining any and all guns.” Gun control laws and rights do not personally affect Larry because he is a current and responsible gun permit holder.

There have been many tragedies because of gun violence. Many people believe there must be stricter laws and some believe the laws are fine as is. President Obama has repeatedly urged people to talk to the people in their local office about changing laws and to tell them that we will remember what they do for us when election time comes around. This law is a big deal and will affect us now, and in the future.

http://home.nra.org/nraila

http://usnews.nbcnews.com/_news/2013/04/13/17734194-sandy-hook-mom-makes-plea-for-common-sense-gun-controls?lite