Sunday 23 December 2012

Gun Laws in USA

The tragic mass shooting at Newtown was another reminder to reconsider the gun laws in USA. Guns are easily and legally available over the counter in this country and their possession is enshrined as Constitutional right in 2nd Amendment.

As per statistics (http://www.motherjones.com/politics/2012/07/mass-shootings-map), at least 62 mass shootings have taken place in USA in last 30 years with legally procured weapons. Probably the highest in the world.

People often when in rage lose their thinking and in the heat of the moment may do something horrendous and regret only later. And if you have a gun right there available like a toy bought from a shop something worse than swearing and shouting can trigger.

Gun control laws have always been in debate in USA, more so after some mass killing. After the Newtown school mass shooting, parents and citizens alike have been protesting the gun law. President Obama as well has talked of gun control laws. At the same time, Gun lobbies like NRA (National Rifle Association) are in favor of 2nd Amendment, the logic being fed that to counter a bad guy with a gun you need a good guy with a gun. 

Means -  don't control sale of gun but sell even more guns. However, a simple reality check tells that so may of mass shootings have been there because there are so many guns easily available around stamped legal. More than to be used as self defense they have been used as outlet for one's outrage and frustration in mass killing.

Such incidents as another aspect are also mirror of the broken social fabric and more so of the broken families in USA.

More guns can't increase the sense of security among citizens only enhanced social fabric can.


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