To think that we should be denied our right to own guns is completely outrageous! Not only do guns provide safety, they allow us to participate in activities that help shape our lives. Though most people think that guns are mechanisms that are built to harm, less than one percent of firearms and handguns are used in criminal activity in any given year.
In fact, there are many reasons that suggest owning guns is a wise decision. For example, most people would not be comfortable living without a gun to act as a defensive weapon. When people know that there is a gun safely secured somewhere in their house, they have a sense of security and know that if something should go terribly wrong, they have something to protect themselves with. If the beholder of the weapon uses the gun wisely, it can be very successful tool in stabilizing or killing the intruder or person who is trying to harm you. According to the NRA, 32 percent of firearms and 58 percent of handguns are used for self defense. Along with such defensive purposes, guns also allow people all over the country to hunt for deer, pheasants, and other game. Hunting game is part of many family traditions and can be necessary for obtaining food.
If we look back at American history, we clearly see that guns have been a part of us for a large period of time. During the Revolutionary War, the United States was mainly a subsistent nation- individuals would gather food using guns. They also used guns in battle. Think of how different wars would have been if guns would not have been around? Some of these aspects of the Revolutionary War are still here. As I mentioned, firearms can be used to provide food. The NRA says that 51 percent of firearms and 10 percent of handguns are used for hunting purposes. This clearly shows us that guns play a vital role in our lives.
Numerous statistics show that a small percentage of guns are used for criminal activity. Surprisingly, in only 0.1 percent of defensive actions is a criminal killed by the firearm and in only one percent is a criminal wounded. This statistic may also disrupt your thinking- the Department of Justice conducted a survey in which they found that four out of ten felons decided not to engage in a particular criminal activity because they feared that their victim was equipped with a weapon. Approximately 30 percent of these felons admitted to the fact that they were scared off or targeted by their hostages. Other than hunting and protection, firearms and handguns are often used for target shooting.
Though firearm possession has climbed 140 percent and handgun possession 200 percent, fatal accidents have decreased at a rate of 67 percent over the last few years due to safety programs. But that’s not the only thing that has deteriorated. Places that allow people to own guns have a lower risk of being involved in crimes. States with strict gun usage laws have 31 percent higher chances of homicides and 36 percent higher chances of robbery.
Though there is some disagreement about personal gun usage and ownership, the second amendment clearly states, “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.” Some people believe that the United States is now protected by a disciplined army and that the second amendment is no longer legitimate. However, many people strongly believe that the people of America should have the right to own a gun. Maybe a limitation on the number of guns people can own should be considered, but I don’t think that guns should be taken from us. If guns are sued for delinquent purposes, then maybe we should consider background checks when purchasing firearms or handguns. To demolish the right to own weapons would be unfair to those who actually used guns for worthy causes.
Like I mentioned before, guns are used for important things including safety. GOA (Gun Owners of America) makes it clear that sometimes you have no choice but to “Stand Your Ground.” “Taking my gun away because I might shoot someone is like cutting my tongue out because I might yell ‘Fire!’ in a crowded theatre” says Peter Venetoklis. Those who use these machines properly should be able to obtain their right to own guns, but it is important to remember that owning guns is also a privilege and we must be wise in our decisions when it comes to weaponry. “The very atmosphere of firearms anywhere and everywhere restrains evil interference – they deserve a place of honor with all that’s good.” –George Washington
Very good job! You presented information accurately and well. I totally agree with your opinion! :D
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