The policy I am discussing is the policy of Gun Control, in relation to the Brady Law, and the violation of the 2nd amendment, the right to bear arms.

In our government today there is a restriction upon one of our constitutional amendments, the 2nd amendment, the right to bear arms. This restriction has been applied gradually until February 28, 1994, when the Brady Law came into effect. The Brady Law restricted the sales of guns to people falling under many different categories, from the mentally unstable to persons convicted of domestic violence. The categories very greatly, but, they all stay true to the overall idea of preventing the sales of firearms to a person who may misuse or abuse the weapon in any way, and in the process infringing on another person's rights.

Prior to this Law being put into effect, many states did not require background checks of gun purchasers. Because of this precaution not being taken , the ability for the prevention of firearms sales to criminals, illegal aliens, and fugitives was very low. Although this law is with noble cause, it restricts an amendment. The restriction or infringement of an amendment is supposed to be Illegal, let alone impos

Both sides have good points, making valuable alternatives to the current situations that are occurring in the country, but in the end one must preside. The reality of the situation is that it is stated clearly and directly in the US Constitution that the 2nd amendment shall not be infringed upon, thus ruling out such acts as the Brady Act, or any future acts which may aid in the abolishment or limiting of weapons.

The pro-gun parties also make arguments besides the most effective 2nd amendment argument. They claim that even if you have to license and register guns, you will never stop criminal from smuggling in guns. If a total ban on guns occur, then everyone will become susceptible to criminals and robberies, everyone will become defenseless, and will have no way of protecting themselves from the threat.

In the future this act will still remain at a stalemate, neither side gaining too much of an upper hand in the war known as gun control. I believe if President Clinton were in office things may be different, because he was a fan of the Brady Act, but since George W. Bush is the President, I believe he will not let the Brady Act gain more power.

The federal and state governments differ on the subject of gun control, mostly siding with the Brady Law, but some attempting to be exempt. The state of New York prior to the Brady Law did not check the background of a purchaser of rifles, only that of handguns. Now with the law into effect it must check everyone, no matter the age, or what he/she is purchasing. Also it limit's the age of which you can purchase a handgun to 21, and a long gun (long barreled rifle) to 21. In the states in which the Brady Law is now in effect, the purchaser would have to wait a five day waiting period to purchase their gun so that they could be checked thoroughly. And by doing so they eliminated the chance of a gun falling into the wrong hands.

Next in 1938, the Federal Firearms Act required manufacturers and dealers to keep records of purchasers, and the serial number of the weapons they bought. Criminals and people who were under indictment were banned from purchasing guns, and most ammunition. In 1968 congress passed "the most extensive weapon legislation to date" (Dolan and Scariano). The act banned dozens of guns, rifles, and weapons which have been modified, or silenced. Finally we make it to 1983, when the Brady Act is proposed. The Brady Act's history is everything but dull, gaining it's name from the White House press secretary in 1981, James S. Brady. While leaving a hotel in Washington, D.C.

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Approximate Word count = 1735
Approximate Pages = 7 (250 words per page double spaced)