Gun Control-Argumentative Paper - Essay Example

Proponents of gun control passionately argue that allowing every American to carry guns will only cause more harm than good (Crooker 13). I completely disagree with these sentiments because I believe that gun control is not right for America. Reasons for Gun Control Legislation According to Crooker, one of the main arguments of gun control proponents is that it curbs access by persons who are not supposed to have access to firearms such as juveniles, criminals and high-risk individuals. They argue that the only way to curb accessibility of guns and firearms by such groups of people can only be possible through federal legislations.

Many of those who support the idea of federal restrictions of gun ownership actually do not dispute the fact that it is the right of every American citizen to own a gun. However, they point out that the right to bear such firearms should be negotiable. This, they say, will help in minimizing the increasing rate of gun crime (22). Proponents of gun control legislation also point out that regulating gun ownership does not have to affect law abiding citizens. They say that the regulations are for criminals and other individuals who would feel inclined to use guns for destructive reasons (Wuest 121).

They also argue that gun control measures would stop individuals from purchasing what are considered to be dangerous guns, such as those used for military and other high risk operations. They also argue that guns pose a lot more danger to the owner than to a potential threat. Many claim that owning a gun puts the owner and his family at risk because of the possible accidents that might happen (Spitzer 46). Reasons against Gun Control Measures The constitution of the United States allows every eligible American to own a gun.

Proponents of gun rights argue that if the constitution gives individuals the freedom to own guns, then there are should be no one to take away this right (Wuest 113). They emphasize on the importance of gun ownership as a useful means of personal defense in case of an attack. While the law does not allow the common law abiding citizen to freely purchase guns, thugs are continually procuring all sorts of high caliber firearms illegally. The balance here is tipped in the favor of the thug who is not afraid to use his gun to achieve whatever he wants, including killing an innocent citizen.

If gun laws allowed individuals to own firearms legally, people would have live more secure lives since they would be empowered to defend themselves using those guns (Crooker 110). Spitzer says that some of the proponents of gun rights also argue that allowing widespread gun ownership is not only a true and tested means of curbing gun crime, it is also an effective way of checking tyranny in the government. The people’s government would not dare impose unjust leadership because the citizens would have the power to overthrow it.

According to supporters of gun rights, unrestricted gun ownership can make people live more responsible lives. If someone knows that he has a gun in his house, he will not act in a way that will result in the careless handling of the firearm (50). I agree with the proponents of gun rights because I believe that every American citizen should enjoy the right to own guns as the constitution allows them to. Gun control measure