The Dangers For Stricter Gun Control Laws And Gun Control

Even if a mentally ill person is banned from buying a gun, there is still another means for them to obtain one. The Times Editorial Board (2016) backed themselves by typing, “The gunman who shot and killed five people in Santa Monica three years ago was banned from owning a gun, so he bought the parts and made his own.” (p. 2). Marcotte (2015) brought up the fact that, “There are as many guns as people in this country, and fully a third of people are armed. Even when shootings happen in gun-happy places, where armed people are sure to be nearby, this vigilante scenario simply doesn't work.” (p. 2). Although there are so many guns in America, mass shootings still happen and are not easily preventable because not everyone arms themselves. Marcotte (2015) also later reports, “A lot of Americans who struggle with mental health are undiagnosed, though, and putting them on a government list that restricts their rights is not a great inducement to get a diagnosis.” (p.

Statistical analysis about states in the U.S. proves the correlation between strict gun control policies and deaths related to firearms to the least extent. According to an article published by Richard Florida on CityLab, a research shows that states with stricter gun control have fewer gun-related fatalities. The study in the article was conducted by researchers at Boston Children’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, and Harvard School of Public Health. Researchers measured “legislative strength” of gun control policies in each state using data from Brady Center to Prevent Gun Violence. Specifically, the elements that the researchers include when accounting for “legislative strength” are:

The debate over gun control is not a new argument, neither is the existence of mental illness. There have been those who support and those who oppose gun control for many years. What has recently re-ignited the debate is an increase in mass shootings over the past few decades; one in particular is the Newtown, Connecticut, massacre. Incidents, such as this, fuel anger and fear, driving many to question the need for firearms in modern society, while others cite these incidents as a reason for remaining armed. The purpose of gun control is to limit the amount of violence in today’s

“Guns don’t kill people, people do.” This is a well known statement that is oftentimes considered true. However, it is not completely true. Someone who is mentally ill may be unable to make logical decisions and the perception they receive of reality may be tainted by the illness. Gun laws pertaining to those suffering mental illnesses should be more restrictive. Weapons such as guns make committing an act of violence, especially when there are multiple victims, much easier. It is difficult to assess the probability of a person to commit a violent act that harms anyone including himself/herself. Therefore, gun laws need be monitored very closely and made more consistent throughout each state in order to prevent violence that could

People with mental illnesses are referred to a wide range of mental health conditions disorders that affect your mood, thinking, and behavior. Examples like Autism, Anxiety Issues, and many more that affect them. It is so easy for anyone to get guns. About over 300 million have been made and sold to people in 2012, so there is a large supply of them. (My Turn: Should People with Mental Illnesses Own Guns?”, 2015). You can easily get one by just bribing a stranger or from a family member so it’s very easy to get one. There should be stricter gun control laws for those individuals with a mental illness history because guns are falling into the hands of people whose actions are unpredictable, research shows that many of the crimes committed are by those with a known mental illness, and the current wait time for owning a gun allows people with a mental illness to act without seeking help first.

The recent terrorist situations in America could have turned out differently if the victims had been armed. There have been too many terrorist situations lately in America. Many people who are not in favor of gun rights want to make it more difficult or even impossible for citizens to purchase weapons. When stricter gun control is enforced, then citizens may not be able to protect themselves. We need to find a way to prevent gun related tragedies, but that does not involve taking guns away from citizens (Hockley). We need more guns in the hands of citizens, then they will be able to protect themselves during violent crimes (Goldberg). The call for increased gun rights in America is vital for the safety

Metzl, Jonathan M., and Kenneth T. MacLeish. “Mental Illness, Mass Shootings, and the Politics of

Gun control can be a very touchy topic. In the past couple of weeks, school shootings have occured. 19 total mass shootings and something pops out from these suspects. In almost every suspect of the shooting has a form of mental illness. In order to reduce violence we must stop selling firearms to those with mental illnesses. Although they can plead the 2nd amendment, from their past occurrences; The mentally ill should not be trusted with firearms. In order to ensure this, the process of buying a firearm should be more complex, more in depth. As of right now, to purchase a firearm; You must be 18 years of age, they do a background check on you, and lastly you’ll need a gun license. There should be more to this process. Perhaps a mental check,a federal background check, ect.

I believe that you provide a wonderful look at the preconceived notions people have about mental illness and gun control. It is indeed challenging when people persist in passing on what is really a myth about gun violence and mental illness. You note that Matzl and MacLeish (2015) provide instead a list of risk factors that correlate with gun violence. I do think that it is important to be aware of the risk factors so that we can incorporate questioning into our care. Because of my mental health focus, I do question everyone I see about whether they have access to guns and then intervene as indicated.

This is one of many problems encountered when trying to use the second amendment to regulate firearm obtainment and use. Another example is “Persons with mental illness and/or substance abuse are frequently perceived by the public to be dangerous. This has resulted in an increase in state legislation restricting their ability to purchase, possess, register, obtain licensure, retain, and/or carry a firearm of any sort” (Donna M. Norris, M.D. Thomas Gutheil et ect…) Legislation and many other states have referred to guidelines on a person’s mental illness and whether they would be able to acquire a firearm. The problem with that is that the guidelines vary from state to state. What may also constitute as a serious mental illness in one state, may be minor or minuscule in the next. Another problem is the restriction of certain types of guns and their restrictions to those of a mental illness. “States vary according to whether or not a specific type

On December 14th 2012, people all over the world came together to show their support for the families that were affected by the Newtown Sandy Hooke shooting. 20 innocent children from the ages of 5 to 7 were brutally shot repeatedly over and over again with a military style weapon. Classmates and parents will never forget this horrific tragedy which, under no circumstances, should have happened. However in the United States due to the lack of gun control laws mass shootings like this one are common. This is very unfortunate not only for Americans but for the global community. Having family in the United States and cousins in grade school, I find it frightening that their lives are at risk all because it is easy for people to purchase guns. In Canada we feel very safe and secure due to the strong gun control laws. It is immensely important that the USA takes a stand and applies stronger gun control laws to ensure the well being of not only their citizens but those visiting as well.

Mental health and mass shootings seem to go hand in hand, especially when the talk of gun laws comes up.The debate about gun laws getting stricter due to the mass shootings across the country has been stewing for about 18 years now. What sparked the debate was back in 1999, Columbine High School was involved in a mass shooting killing 12. This is one of the many examples that could define the gun violence and mass shootings in our country. As there seems to be a direct correlation between gun violence and mental illness.Now rather than enforcing stricter gun laws in the wake of recent gun violence events, the federal government should fund mental health programs.

Gun control is many issues of this nation summed up into two words. In the point of view

As quoted by Bob barr “It's not a gun control problem; it's a cultural control problem”. Our kids shouldn’t have to be worried about their safety in school and having to worry about school shootings. Things need to be fixed its time to pass stricter gun control laws. There has been school 18 shootings since January 1, 2018 that is about 3 per week so far just for this year. Something has to be done we need strict gun control.

Did you know that approximately 2 million handguns are sold in the United States each year? In the United States more than 30,000 lives are taken each year due to firearms. Consequently, the U.S has the highest number of deaths caused by guns compared to other countries such as Japan who has less than 50 annually, Germany who has less than 150 and Canada who has less than 200 deaths. What is the reason for such a difference in the numbers? Japan, Germany and Canada are countries that have stricter gun control laws than in the United States.