With the upcoming election, there seems to be no shortage of controversial topics that are open for discussion. Two of those major issues, which are bound to be discussed in the near future, are abortion and gun control.
These issues are a bigger deal this year due to the election with the two polar opposite candidates who are fighting for the Presidency. Hillary Clinton, the Democratic nominee, advocates for increased gun control and is pro choice. On the other hand, Donald Trump, the Republican nominee, advocates for the second amendment and is pro-life. Before voters cast their ballot in November for their choice for the next President of USA, I urge them to consider the consequences of their choices and vote for the candidate that truly believe represent them.
The main argument for gun rights advocates is the 2nd Amendment which gives the people of America the right to bear arms. The National Rifle Association (NRA), a pro gun rights organization, has spent a lot of resources lobbying against any restriction on gun ownership and usage. They have successfully thwarted bills that call for extensive background checks and for the prevention of gun ownership by people on FBI terror watch list. These bills also included statements about what type of firearms people can own. Due to the intense lobbying by the NRA, people in the US have to live with the constant fear of being involved in a gun attack.
Pro-life advocates seem to forget that abortion is also a Constitutional right. In 1973, the Supreme Court ruled that abortions are legal in the landmark case of Roe v. Wade. Despite this, the pro-life movement is constantly looking for ways to make it harder for a woman to exercise her constitutional right to choose.
Are some Constitutional rights more important than the others? Apparently so.
We would be able to live in a more peaceful society if this pro-life spirit was put to better use in order to protect life. It makes sense for pro-life supporters to fight against one of the leading causes of american death. Something that takes life away from thousands of Americans each year. Guns.
According to the IANSA (International Action Network on Small Arms of the United Nations), more than 30,000 people are killed by firearms per year in the United States. With nearly half of them being between the ages of 18-35. Think of how many innocent lives could have been saved if pro-life supporters were actually pro-life.
A popular reason that people cite when they claim to be pro-life is “Every life is filled with potential". If indeed every life is filled with potential, then what about the lives of the 10,021 people who died due to gun violence this year alone?
As the time to make the decision for the next American President draws closer, I strongly urge everyone to think on their choices. The issues of abortion and gun control will never cease to be important in this country and we are in need of a President that will ensure that we the people are not denied our Constitutional rights.
