Since the December 14th shooting in Newtown, Conn., which tragically took the lives of 20 innocent children and six heroic adults, the nation has been abuzz with talk of gun control. This issue stretches beyond party lines, stems back to the constitution and hits too close to home for too many people. It’s complex, confusing and complicated. So many opinions and proposals: where do we even begin?
What are they saying?
“Not a single gun was used at the Oklahoma bombing. If there is evil, we need to figure out how to deal with it as best we can; but we cannot eliminate it.” -Conservative commentator Mark Levin
“I have been largely silent on the issue of gun violence over the past six years, and I am now as sorry for that as I am for what happened to the families who lost so much in this most recent, but sadly not isolated, tragedy.” – Rep. John Yarmuth (D-KY)
“It’s time for Democrats, Republicans and independents to say … the strongest conceivable gun control laws won’t stop all acts of violence. But, also, to acknowledge that the stronger our gun control laws are, the fewer acts of violence including mass violence that will happen in our society.” -Sen. Joe Lieberman (I- CT)
What is being proposed?
Assault Weapon Ban: If implemented, the sale, transfer, manufacture and importation of assault weapons would be barred in the United States. The proposed bill would place bans on 120 specifically named firearms as well as other semiautomatic guns. The last assault weapon ban expired in 2004 when Congress refused to renew it.
Universal background checks for gun owners: Currently, the law requires background checks for anyone buying a firearm from a federally licensed dealer. Convicted felons and those deemed dangerously mentally ill are federally prohibited from buying firearms. However, this law does not apply to those buying guns through “private transactions,” such as gun shows. It is reported that 40 percent of all guns are bought privately, without background checks.
School security programs: In a press conference following the shooting in Connecticut, the National Rifle Association proposed stricter school security programs, including armed guards in schools. Many schools have since taken up this initiative. In fact, a Virginia House of Delegates committee recently approved a measure allowing private schools and day care centers to hire armed security guards.
Gun buy-back programs: Many people have also proposed gun buy-back programs in order to lower gun violence. Gun buy-back programs offer cash or gift cards for guns. However, many see gun buy-back programs as ineffective because they tend to attract people who are least likely to commit crimes. Most criminals tend to steer clear of buy-back programs unless they’re trying to make quick cash.
Ban on high capacity magazines: This proposal would ban high- capacity magazines with more than 10 rounds. For those unaware of what a “magazine” is, it is an ammunition storage and feeding device within or attached to a repeating firearm. All cartridge based single barrel firearms designed to fire more than a single shot without reloading require some form of a magazine. The last high-capacity magazine ban also expired in 2004.
Believe it or not, the name “the Collegiate Conservative” isn’t a coincidence because unlike many people my age, I lean to the right politically. But this issue quite frankly has even the most devout Fox News-obsessed, Reagan-worshipping, Constitutionalist a little torn. In spite of the quote “To be young and not liberal is to not have a heart,” I am actually have a big heart, which is just as affected by shootings as any liberal.
On December 14th, I set in front of the TV for hours, my eyes glued to the coverage of the Sandy Hook shooting. As the images of the beautiful children who had been taken from this earth far too soon began to be released, I followed their stories. I listened to interviews with their parents and cried along with them. Not only did Sandy Hook feel the pain and loss of those 26 lives, but our whole nation did as well.
So now, in the wake of this tragedy, we are faced with many important decisions. Do we ban guns completely? Will universal background checks for gun owners help? How about banning assault weapons? Are magazines over 10 rounds the problem? Or is it a completely different issue such as mental health? What about the second amendment?
Whatever you believe, there is an equally legitimate claim to refute it. Thus why this gun issue is so tricky and has caused so much controversy. However, in the end, it’s important to remember no one wants to turn on the news tomorrow to wake up to another gun massacre. If we could find a way to protect our children and preserve our democracy, we would come to the compromise both Democrats and Republicans could happily live with and ultimately, respect.