In the article ‘A List of the Reasons Cited against Gun Control and an Effort to Think Them Through’ by Tanushree Ghosh, the idea that creating stricter gun laws is the solution to the problem is assessed. A multitude of reasons are given behind this statement. However, it is mentioned that criminals will find a way to get ahold of their weapon of choice no matter what laws are in place because they are criminals and that is what they do. I believe that stricter gun laws will not stop crimes violent crimes from happening. The problem is not guns, the problem is people. Putting stricter gun laws in place will not prevent these violent crimes from occurring.
Criminals kill people, not their guns. Making guns harder to get will not stop criminals from getting guns if they want them. This is because, as Ghosh noted, criminals will break laws in any way. The fact is that gun regulation laws are already in place. Not just anyone can walk into any store and simply purchase a gun. In order to buy a gun, a person must have a valid driver’s license, fill out paperwork and be above a certain age. However, many violent crimes involving a gun are committed by teens who are not even old enough to purchase these guns on their own. This can be related to the topic of underage drinking. Although high schoolers are not at an appropriate age to purchase or consume alcohol, a multitude of teens still find a way to get their hands on alcohol. The same pertains to guns. Just because the person purchasing the guns fits the regulations does not mean that is the same person who will be in possession of the gun. Just as young adults buy alcohol for teens or their underage friends, guns can be purchased for minors or people who do not fit the qualifications.
Mental illness is exactly what needs to be targeted more than guns do. There is a multitude of complexities associated with mental illness that many people fail to understand. Although mental illness can be the cause of vicious thoughts that make people commit violent crimes, not all mental illnesses make people feel that way. In the military, if a person admits that they need help, they will be put on a watch list and have many privileges taken away. If they seek help, their right to hold a gun is immediately taken away regardless of the situation. This stops people in the military from getting the help they really need. The taboo around getting help needs to be corrected. More help for such diseases should be more easily accessible to not only teens but adults as well.
Moreover, taking away guns takes away the rights of US citizens. The right to own a gun is protected under the Constitution in the 2nd Amendment. Taking away guns from the citizens who follow the law is not the answer. This takes their ability to defend themselves against criminals. Citizens who obey the laws will not get their hands on guns if they are made illegal, but criminals will still find a way to get them. This puts innocent people at more risk of danger. If guns are legal, at least people will have a method of defense against violent criminals.
When violent crimes happen, people immediately think the solution is stricter gun laws. Stricter gun laws are not the answer. If people want guns, they will find a way to get them. Taking away guns strips people of their rights and puts innocent people in danger. More resources should be available for people with mental illnesses. Changes need to be made, but taking away guns is not the appropriate one.