In 1989, guns killed 11,832 Americans. The National Rifle Association (NRA) members

believe that it is their constitutional right to own guns, stating that guns are not the root of

the crime problem in the United States. Gun control activists like the members of the

Coalition to Stop Gun Violence (CSGV) argue that guns are responsible for the majority

of violent crimes that take place. They wish to instill many types of bans and waiting

periods on firearms, making it nearly impossible to obtain a handgun. In fact, in 1993 the

Brady Bill, which mandates a waiting period on buying firearms, was passed. Their

arguments range from protecting children to saying that guns are diseases, but when one

looks at the facts, though, the arguments of gun control advocates seem irrelevant and it

becomes clear that guns should not be controlled.

Gun ownership by private citizens is protected under the 2nd Amendment. It

states that "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.aE? The forefathers of

our country meant for the people to own and us

automobiles to the public. The fact is that more Americans die yearly from pneumonia

nor dangers to children, nor preventable with hassling bills and restrictions. The many

weaponaE? is not distinct and if they were to be nationally banned no one would know

be saved if an intrusion were to take place. As David B. Kopel states, "Gun control

of course) and the public could not defend themselves. Most of the criminals who

Some common words found in the essay are:
Brady Bill, David Newton, Institute Children, Assault WeaponsaE, United Instead, Violence CSGV, Kopel Gun, NRA Children, gun control, , Association NRA, gun control activists, control activists, waiting period, assault weaponsae, assault weaponae, control advocates, public health, waiting periods, violent crimes, gun violence, gun control advocates, crime waiting period, public health hazard, national rifle association,
Approximate Word count = 1312
Approximate Pages = 5 (250 words per page double spaced)