American children are more at risk from firearms than children in any other industrialized nation. In one year, firearms killed no children in Japan, 19 in Great Britain, 57 in Germany, 109 in France, 153 in Canada, and 5,285 in the United States. As the rate of American gun violence increased over the last fifteen years, American children paid the price. Between 1984-1994 the firearm death rate for 15-19 year olds increased 222% while non-firearm deaths dropped almost 13%. Within five years, firearms are expected to overtake motor vehicle accidents as the leading cause of death among American children.

Over 6,000 students were expelled in 1996-97 for bringing guns to school. The American Medical Association Journal reports that between 36% and 50% of male eleventh graders believe they could easily get a gun if they wanted one. Guns do kill people, especially when carried by children. More than

*In 1997, there were about 440,000 violent crimes committed with firearms in the United States.

*In 1996, there were 9,390 murders with handguns in the United States.

The following facts are supportive of those who want to keep guns:

** As of 1998, nationwide, there has been 1 recorded incident in which a permit holder shot someone following a traffic accident.

* In 1997, firearm injuries were the second leading cause of injury and death for all ages.

* Guns were used in approximately 7 out of every 10 murders in the U.S. in 1997.

** Approximately 11% of gun owners and 13% of handgun owners have used their firearms for protection from criminals.

The following is a story about two people who were able to protect themselves, and possibly save their own lives, with a handgun they kept in their home:

In contrast to the above reasons given for gun control there are many arguments on behalf of citizens maintaining the right to own guns. Some states are showing a drop in violent crimes since they have adopted right-to-carry laws. The Second Amendment of our constitution upholds the right to keep and bear arms. This amendment became part of the constitution to enable the people of our country to protect themselves.

**Florida adopted a right-to-carry law in 1987. Between 1987 and 1996, the homicide rate dropped 36%, firearm homicide rate dropped 37%, and the handgun homicide rate fell by 41%.

** One-quarter of adults in the United States own a gun and only about one in six Americans own a handgun.

*In 1996, there were 10,744 murders with firearms in the United States.

Some common words found in the essay are:
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Approximate Word count = 1436
Approximate Pages = 6 (250 words per page double spaced)