The horrible tragedies our nation endured at a high school in Columbine, a grocery store in Arizona, movie theater in Colorado, Sikh temple in Wisconsin, mall in Portland, and most recently an elementary school in Connecticut (not to mention countless other venues) have not only left the masses mourning for the loss of families and loved ones but also stirred debate about the United States’ gun control policies.
Within our Constitution is the second amendment:
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.
Many have cited “self defense” as a means to utilize this right, and yet a growing number of Americans seek to repeal this amendment entirely. Where do we draw the line? Are law enforcement agents permitted to carry arms? How about the variability in gun registration from state-to-state? Is there a fundamental difference between a pistol and a semiautomatic rifle? And with black markets being so prevalent, will outlawing the right to bear arms simply shift weapons to the evildoers?
It’s time we stop waiting for the inconceivable horrors before acting. Preparation and prevention are our most useful allies in combatting such violence.
