Solutions for America’s problem with gun violence have been argued about for a long time. Gun control is most commonly brought up after something like a school shooting happens and everyone is outraged. Unfortunately, once time passes and the shooting is forgotten about, gun control solutions are put off till the next terrible thing happens. I believe that people should have to go through background checks when purchasing firearms.
Background checks would keep people convicted of violent crimes and people with mental illness from being able to buy a gun. It seems like common sense that a person with a background of domestic violence shouldn’t be able to purchase a firearm. Currently only ten states require background checks for all firearm purchases and six states only for handguns. That leaves 34 states that you can just walk into a store and buy a firearm(www.governing.com).
Background checks are not meant to take away from the 2nd amendment. Some people believe there should be no restrictions on buying guns and some people believe there shouldn’t be guns at all. I believe there is a healthy in between where law-abiding citizens can own guns. I think one exception that should be made is that non-violent criminals that have only been arrested once shouldn’t lose their privilege forever. The right to own a gun is a privilege and that means it can be lost. I am a firm believer in the 2nd amendment, but I think it’s important to remember that when the constitution was written, they weren’t talking about assault rifles.
Having universal Background checks when purchasing a firearm, would help keep guns out of the hands of people who should have them; making America a safer place.
— Kaleb Hayes, Harwood Union High School, Moretown, VT
