Essay/Term paper: Gun control

Essay, term paper, research paper:  Gun Control

Gun Control


Abortion, euthanasia, and capital punishment are all controversial
issues in today's society. Just as important of an issue to many people is gun
control. Gun control lobbyists believe that there should be more control over
firearms while anti-lobbyists believe there is already enough. Although many
people are killed or seriously injured by firearms which are improperly stored,
statistics show that assaults with firearms have been progressively lowered
since 1975. Therefore, Justice Minister Alan Rock, the person imposing more
restriction, is running on scare tactics. I thoroughly believe that if more gun
control laws are imposed upon Canadians, there will be more havoc than necessary.

One of the problems that many people have concerning their opinion on
gun control is that they are not fully informed. Therefore, the people who are
not fully informed are making decisions on only the information they know. Many
people do not understand what exactly is being changed in Charter 85. The
existing lat states that in order to purchase a firearm, the buyer must possess
a FAC (Firearm Acquisition Certificate). The buyer also must go through a home
schooling course and pass a test. If anybody owns a firearm, it has to be
stored properly, by means of a cabinet or trigger lock. Under the proposed law,
police officials can enter a premises without consent if they suspect an illegal
gun is being hidden there. These new laws conflict with the existing laws and
most people make a decision on only what they are told.
The proposed law that Alan Rock has created has many people upset.
Anti-gun lobbyists believe that more restrictions breach personal freedom. In
1993, statistics were taken in Edmonton concerning assaults. The statistics
showed that firearms were used in six percent of all assaults while knives were
used in eight. Therefore, knives were the "weapon of choice". Most people are
upset over the laws because doctor/patient confidentiality privledge will be
revoked. These new laws are improper and offend many people/
On the other hand, gun lobbyists believe that the social welfare of an
area is more important than the freedom of the individual. therefore, they
believe that more laws should be made. These fun lobbyists are usually people
who have lost loved ones due to firearms. Justice Minister Alan Rock has no
proof that more restrictions are needed and is running from his personal opinion.

Gun lobbyists and anti-gun lobbyists have opposite opinions on gun
control. Even though gun control is a touchy situation, many people believe
there should be more restrictions while others oppose the idea. Many people do
not understand why they have to suffer for the actions of others. Gun control
is a two sided issue and the outcome will show one winner and one loser.