By KH
Seeds: In 1791, the Bill of Rights was ratified and became an integral part of law in the United States. These amendments were written to ensure essential freedoms to the American people. This list of freedoms included the right to bear arms, making gun ownership an intrinsic part of the American identity for many citizens.
Core: Last year, at least 30 people were killed in gun deaths that involved a shooter who was five years old or younger. These deaths are usually the result of gun owners failing to take the necessary precautions to keep these firearms locked away and out of the hands of small children. While many states have required safety precautions, others leave those sorts of decisions up to the gun owner.
Skin: The extreme number of mass shootings within the last few years has caused gun control to become a highly contentious issue. Incidents such as these only succeed in making the conversation more tense. While some feel as if owning a gun makes their homes more secure, others argue that these types of tragedies disprove this assertion.
Leaves: President-Elect Donald Trump has vowed to uphold what he believes are the rights of citizens under the 2nd Amendment. And, although some would think that the high number of incidents that often involve young victims, would motivate Congress to pass some sort of sweeping gun legislation. However, Congress remains so divided that they are unable to pass much of anything, much less something as controversial as gun control.
Food For Thought: Do you think guns in the home actually make people safer? Should Congress pass stricter gun control laws to prevent these types of incidents? Should gun control laws be passed for other reasons? Or should people's right to bear arms remain intact?
Still Hungry? The Washington Post (1), The New York Times, The Washington Post (2)
Think we missed something? Tell us in the comments.
