Gun Out of Control Part Two
CIT Shows
Gun Out of Control Part Two
Retired Marines Rex Laceby and Ike McCorkle, Candidate for Colorado CD4 this fall, try to bring the "rational" to Rational Politics with Nigel Aves on possible solutions to America's "Out of Control" gun violence. Part One of a two-part series.
Captn's Lounge Studio for the CiT NETWORK. Produced by T.G. Lewis
Here are some key points and aspects of the gun control debate in the USA:
- Second Amendment: The Second Amendment of the U.S. Constitution, ratified in 1791, 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." This amendment has been the foundation for the recognition of individual gun ownership rights in the country.
- Federal Regulations: There are several federal laws regulating firearms in the USA. Some of the significant ones include the National Firearms Act (NFA), the Gun Control Act (GCA), and the Brady Handgun Violence Prevention Act. These laws address issues such as background checks, restrictions on certain types of firearms (e.g., fully automatic weapons), and prohibiting certain individuals (e.g., convicted felons, individuals with restraining orders) from purchasing firearms.
- State Laws: Gun control laws can vary significantly from state to state. Some states have stricter regulations on firearms, including requirements for background checks for all gun sales, waiting periods, and restrictions on certain types of firearms. Other states have more permissive gun laws, emphasizing Second Amendment rights and fewer restrictions on gun ownership.
- Mass Shootings and Gun Violence: The USA has experienced numerous high-profile mass shootings, prompting calls for stricter gun control measures to prevent such tragedies. Advocates of gun control argue that more comprehensive background checks, closing gun show loopholes, and banning certain types of firearms can help reduce gun violence.
- Gun Rights Advocacy: Many gun rights advocates argue that restricting law-abiding citizens' access to firearms infringes upon their Second Amendment rights and does little to prevent criminals from obtaining guns illegally. They often promote a focus on mental health and enforcing existing laws to address gun violence.
- Background Checks: Universal background checks have been a central focus of many gun control proponents. The idea is to ensure that all gun sales, including those at gun shows and through private sellers, require a background check to prevent guns from falling into the wrong hands.
- Assault Weapons Ban: There have been calls for renewing the federal ban on certain semi-automatic firearms, often referred to as "assault weapons," which was in effect from 1994 to 2004. Supporters argue that these firearms are not necessary for civilian use and pose a higher risk in mass shootings.
The gun control debate in the USA continues to be a highly polarized and contentious issue, with various stakeholders, including politicians, advocacy groups, and the public, holding diverse and passionate viewpoints. Efforts to address gun violence while respecting Second Amendment rights remain a challenge, and any significant changes in gun control laws usually face intense political debates and scrutiny.