3D Printed Guns Aren't Just A Conservative Vs. Liberal Issue
Start writing a post
Politics and Activism

I am Pro-Second Amendment, But Against 3D Printed Guns

3D printed guns are an issue for everyone, not just those who are against guns.

172
I am Pro-Second Amendment, But Against 3D Printed Guns

I believe in the Constitution of the United States of America. I believe in a strict, yet reasonable interpretation of the Constitution.

I am pro-second amendment in the way that I believe that guns should not be outlawed completely and that we cannot amend the Constitution, but that we need more legislation per state to dictate what is allowed within that state. I believe in my rights, the Constitution, and the rights of the individual states. With that being said, I recognize that 3D printed guns are a disaster waiting to happen.

3D printed guns are the biggest story dominating American media right now. Recently, it was decided that the distribution of the blueprints to make 3D guns, that aren't against the 1988 federal law against undetectable firearms, should be halted due to the concerns that surround 3D printed guns. These guns are untraceable, unregistered, and dangerous to everyone involved. Anyone with access to a 3D printer and the blueprints to make the guns can then have access to a lethal weapon. These guns are more than a "gun-rights" issue, they are a safety issue that should concern all of us.

The majority of guns in the United States are registered, documented, and all have restrictions on them. If you are a violent felon, you cannot own a gun. If you are under 18 or 21 (depending on the state), you cannot own a gun.

We have laws in this country against the unlawful possession and use of a firearm. We also have restrictions on the type of weapons that you can own. With the correct blueprints, 3D printers can create any type of weapon you tell it to.

Of course, there is a little construction that has to go on after you print it and some easily accessible parts that you need, but it is possible to create one of the federally banned weapons with a 3D printer. Compliant with a reasonable yet strict interpretation of Constitution, it would make sense for these weapons and blueprints to be banned as well.

The pushback against banning these blueprints and weapons scares me more than the possibility of these guns being made everywhere. There are terrorists in this country; but more and more frequently, we are seeing that they are homegrown. It's bad enough that we have children firing guns at their peers, but now you want to make it even easier for someone to get their hands on one?

Many supporters of the release of these new blueprints, including the NRA, claim that the guns aren't illegal because they are detectable and that halting the release of the blueprints is against the first amendment. Believe it or not, we also have federal laws that restrict the first amendment.

We have laws that limit free speech if it is speech that can cause actual harm to others. For example, you cannot yell "fire" in a crowded theatre if there is now fire. The first amendment protects freedom of expression, but it does not protect dangerous speech. If releasing the blueprints for 3D printed guns is not dangerous speech, then what is?

In the end, this is an issue that shouldn't even be an issue. This isn't pro-gun versus anti-gun. This isn't liberal versus conservative. This is simply about protecting the public and preserving law and order in this country.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
the beatles
Wikipedia Commons

For as long as I can remember, I have been listening to The Beatles. Every year, my mom would appropriately blast “Birthday” on anyone’s birthday. I knew all of the words to “Back In The U.S.S.R” by the time I was 5 (Even though I had no idea what or where the U.S.S.R was). I grew up with John, Paul, George, and Ringo instead Justin, JC, Joey, Chris and Lance (I had to google N*SYNC to remember their names). The highlight of my short life was Paul McCartney in concert twice. I’m not someone to “fangirl” but those days I fangirled hard. The music of The Beatles has gotten me through everything. Their songs have brought me more joy, peace, and comfort. I can listen to them in any situation and find what I need. Here are the best lyrics from The Beatles for every and any occasion.

Keep Reading...Show less
Being Invisible The Best Super Power

The best superpower ever? Being invisible of course. Imagine just being able to go from seen to unseen on a dime. Who wouldn't want to have the opportunity to be invisible? Superman and Batman have nothing on being invisible with their superhero abilities. Here are some things that you could do while being invisible, because being invisible can benefit your social life too.

Keep Reading...Show less
houses under green sky
Photo by Alev Takil on Unsplash

Small towns certainly have their pros and cons. Many people who grow up in small towns find themselves counting the days until they get to escape their roots and plant new ones in bigger, "better" places. And that's fine. I'd be lying if I said I hadn't thought those same thoughts before too. We all have, but they say it's important to remember where you came from. When I think about where I come from, I can't help having an overwhelming feeling of gratitude for my roots. Being from a small town has taught me so many important lessons that I will carry with me for the rest of my life.

Keep Reading...Show less
​a woman sitting at a table having a coffee
nappy.co

I can't say "thank you" enough to express how grateful I am for you coming into my life. You have made such a huge impact on my life. I would not be the person I am today without you and I know that you will keep inspiring me to become an even better version of myself.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

99253
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments