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Gun Control in America

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Gun Control in America

On March 24, 1998, firing from the woods overlooking their school, 13-year-old Andrew Golden and 11-year-old Mitchell Johnson shot and killed four middle school students and a teacher and injured ten other students in Jonesboro, Arkansas. The two boys had a semiautomatic M-1 carbine with a large ammunition magazine, two other rifles, seven handguns and more than 500 rounds of ammunition which they took from the home of one of the boy?s grandfather, who had a large arsenal of weapons left unsecured. Officers arrested the two boys as they ran through the wooded area near the school, and they were convicted on five counts of capital murder and ten counts of first-degree battery in September 1998.

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There was no parallel increase in mortality from causes other than guns, suggesting that other lethal weapons were not being used as substitutes. Other data also suggest that suicide rates depend on the availability of handguns. In particular, states with relatively stringent handgun laws have lower suicide rates (Block 23).

To disarm the people is the best and most effectual way to enslave them… – George Mason “A well regulated militia, being necessary to the security of a free state, the right of the people to keep and bear arms, shall not be infringed.”2nd amendment. Americans ascribe several benefits to the personal ownership of firearms. Many believe they protect us against those who might harm us. They give personal satisfaction to others pleasure in the sport of target practice and in the hobby of gun collecting, a feeling of control, and perhaps social status. Some believe that possession is guaranteed by the Bill of Rights and regards this benefit as an inalienable right. Guns also appeal to our American pride in individuality and independence. Lastly, the manufacture and distribution of firearms by American companies produce economic benefits. However the risk are somewhat more concrete. Firearms are often used impulsively against oneself or

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