“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.”
The United States Constitution has made it clear, yet it remains a loaded debate: gun control. With recent history showcasing the unfortunate perception that mass shootings may be as American as apple pie, it is easy to jump to the immediate conclusion that assault rifles must be banned. Though this instinct in arriving at this notion is understandable, we must recognize that the potential banning of assault rifles from ordinary citizens will only truly benefit one party: the government.
With the upcoming presidential election inspiring the topic of gun control to once again enter the public discourse, we have to draw upon the original intentions of our Founding Fathers with respect to this constitutional right. Then, we must consider our society's evolving needs and political landscape. Only then will we be able to arrive at the most reasonable solution: greater background checks are necessary, but banning assault rifles is an assault on our civil liberties.
The right of citizens to keep and bear arms is fundamentally tied to the necessity of the people maintaining a well-regulated militia. With America priding itself on a history of resistance against tyranny, the 2nd Amendment in particular is a cornerstone of our democracy. After all, it was through armed resistance that we achieved independence in the Revolutionary War.
Prior to the American Revolution, the British authorities consistently attempted to suppress any resistance through one major avenue: the colonists’ ability to launch armed resistance. Notably, the 1774 Massachusetts Government Act heavily restricted local militias and empowered the British to attempt to confiscate weapons stored by colonial militias in Concord. The British attempts to flagrantly infringe on colonists’ right to defend themselves sparked the first battle of the Revolutionary War. Further, the shot heard ‘round the world ensured that everyone knew that armed patriots would not remain oppressed in silence.
As the war was won due to the efforts of common people being prepared to be called into action to die for liberty at a minute’s notice, the introduction of the 2nd Amendment was meant to empower the role that the people play in the success of the government; however, heightened restrictions on this ability to organize militarily will only embolden tyrannical governments. Despite the lessons that history taught our Founding Fathers in establishing this right, we must also consider recent developments in our nation.
In recent years, the landscape regarding gun control has shifted significantly. It seems that every other week, a new Columbine occurs, and all that is offered by politicians are their empty thoughts and prayers. Many advocates for banning assault rifles often cite these massacres as a justification for their views, and while it is true that assault rifles can be used for sinister means, it is equally evident that a vast majority of these gun owners are responsible with them. Banning assault rifles will not eliminate the propensity for individuals to commit heinous acts, but it will set a dangerous precedent with regard to government restrictions on our abilities to keep and bear arms. A more viable solution than an outright ban: expanded background checks.
Expanded background checks will be a favorable compromise between gun owners and gun control activists. Presently, the status quo has so many loopholes that deranged people can jump through to obtain these weapons. However, rational solutions to this pressing problem do exist.
By implementing a mandatory background check for all gun sales—whether private, online, or at a show—we can create safer procedures for firearm transactions. Not only this, but we can also establish a national database that compiles data from individual states to keep tabs on owners’ criminal records, mental health histories, and relevant updates. Responsible gun ownership is a cherished American value, and it is the responsibility of the government to promote this principle.
Grounded in our 2nd Amendment rights, the ability to possess assault rifles should not be outlawed. With updated laws in consideration of public safety interests, we can foster a greater sense of responsible gun ownership and honor the wishes of our Founding Fathers. Otherwise, a banning of assault rifles will be an assault on our civil liberties.
Photo Credit: Stephanie Frey | Fotolia
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