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The Issue Of Gun Control

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Gun control has been a serious topic in the city of Chicago for decades. Hundreds of shootings occur in the city on a yearly basis, resulting in countless injuries and casualties. Who is to blame? Are guns really the problem, or are the people who own them the problem? Getting a firearm in Chicago becomes more and more difficult every year, yet the shootings seem to increase. Some say this is due to and increase in gang violence. Others say that the city is not monitoring the sales of guns and who is able to purchase firearms. According to Vidal “Illinois still has one of the strictest gun laws in the country.” The city is in controversy on whether or not to ban handguns entirely. 2012 was a record year for homicides. According to Vidal …show more content…

Hadiya was an innocent teenager in this violent shooting. She was a very good student and aspired to become successful. How many times does an innocent child with so much potential have to be taken away from this world? Guns are falling into the wrong hands of gangs and criminals, especially at very young ages. How are 16 year olds able to purchase guns at this young age? The previous notion was that guns were stolen from private owners or gun stores. According to Noyes and Wachtel “Stolen guns account for only about 10% to 15% of guns used in crimes (Noyes and Wachtel 1). However According to Noyes and Wachtel “one of the most common ways criminals get guns is through straw purchase sales.” A straw purchase goes as follows, a teen walks into a gun store accompanied by someone who is of age to purchase a gun, the teen then selects the gun he wants and the accomplice then purchases the gun. The selections are either done at the store or before hand. However it is done this is highly illegal (2). But what if this method does not work? There is another way criminals are getting their hands on illegally purchase guns. According to Noyes and Wachtel many guns are also purchased from “legally licensed but corrupt at home commercial gun dealers.” Straw purchases become obsolete with at home gun dealers. This opens the door to underage kids buying guns. With the right amount of money and the right dealer and 17-year-old gangbanger

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