The issue of guns and gun control is one of the mostly hotly debated topics in American politics. But a decent discussion of these issues has been practically impossible due to the dogmatic beliefs of those on both sides of the debate. On the subject of gun control, some moderation is required.
Some people believe there is too much gun control, others not enough. Guns are a complicated issue, they are good, bad and ugly all at the same time.
The Good:
Guns are not all bad. In the hands of a responsible owner, they provide protection and security. For someone living in rural country, they can provide meat. For some, it is a tool for sport and hunting.
In the U.S., guns are not just weapons or tools, but are symbols of an independent spirit etched into our nation's DNA since the days of our founding fathers and immortalized in the form of the 2nd Amendment to the Constitution. In most Western nations, it is practically impossible to get a gun. There is a special symbolism to the freedom that allows us to own guns, no matter how easy or difficult it is in each state.
The Bad:
Gun violence is a growing problem in the U.S. Mass shootings like the recent one in Orlando seem like an almost weekly occurrence. There are as many guns in this country as there are people and it is far too easy for people to avoid a background check by buying at a gun show or on the internet.
Even people on the terror watch list can buy a gun. The fact of the matter is, with how many guns are bought and sold in this country, not enough is being done to ensure that all these people are responsible owners. With something like guns, there is no room for error. While gun violence will never be completely eliminated, it is possible to limit and reduce them.
The Ugly:
There are many reasons for the tremendous gridlock on this issue. One is a cultural one, because guns mean different things to someone living in New York or Chicago than to someone living in Kansas or Montana.
Another problem is the unwillingness of both sides to come to a compromise. While some would see all guns banned, others believe everyone should be armed to the teeth if they see fit. Both sides are ridiculous.
But the biggest reason is the immense power of the gun lobby in the government. The biggest gun lobby group, the NRA, has become more than just an advocacy group. It has become a menace to society because of its influence in Congress. Their power is not proportional to the percentage of Americans they represent, and even many gun owners have disavowed them for their dogmatic tactics.
In this case, moderate reforms can make a big difference, but some change is surely necessary to break this gridlock.
