FEAR: Public Enemy Number One

In the wake of the (Sandy Hook) school shooting, as well as others like Columbine and the Luby's shooting in Texas years ago, gun control is a necessary thing. But how far does it have to go in order to give people a sense of security about gun owners?

Extensive background checks should be mandatory in all cases and some guns, like semi-automatics, should be banned. A person doesn't need a semi-automatic to protect themselves, their home and their family and a person certainly doesn't need a semi-automatic to kill Bambi in the woods. So ultimately, that type of gun has no purpose in civilian hands. It also seems wrong for gun manufacturers and enthusiasts to use tragedies to drum up gun sales by generating fear in the public. The truth of the matter is, no matter how extensive the background check is or how responsible the gun owner is, guns aren't the variable factor, people are.

People are unpredictable. If a person wants to kill someone, there are many ways to go about it. Using a gun is just one method. If a person wants to get a gun and they don't qualify legally, there is probably some black market gun pusher out there that would be willing to sell one out of the back of his trunk. So why does the government get involved and send a false sense of security to the public? Why do gun manufacturers prey on people's insecurities and fears about protection and security? It's a sad thing, but the reality is that there are some really desperate people out there that get a charge out of hurting others. No matter what anybody does to protect themselves, there is still no guarantee of protection--not from the (Second Amendment), the government, law enforcement or gun manufacturers.

So what does one do? It seems fitting for one to arm themselves with the truth. If a person likes guns and wants to own one for whatever reason, including protection, that's okay. A person should just be aware that they have a right to own the gun, but it's no guarantee that they're safe, as a result. The American public should steer clear of fear mongers and understand that the government and law enforcement can only do but so much to protect the public. Only through education and awareness about guns, gun possession and proper conflict resolution among our school children can help stem the tide of needless violence in our society.