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I. INTRODUCTION:
The Second Amendment to the Constitution(Second Amendment) of the United States of America(USA) is one of the most controversial. The Second Amendment specifically grants that, “the right of the people to keep and bear Arms shall not be infringed”
The way that an individual interprets the wording of the Second Amendment influences their point of view on who has the right to “keep and bear arms” (Amendment 2). The controversy brought on by the Second Amendment is because the Second Amendment does not clearly define whom “the people” are. This ambiguity has left room for action by legislative bodies and the courts to pass laws and make interpretations that influence the way this Amendment is applied and enforced. The Second Amendment says, “A well regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms shall not be infringed.” (Amendment 2).
A central argument put forth by gun-control advocates is that since there is no longer a “militia”, that individuals should lose their rights to own a gun. They often assert that the term “militia” should now be defined as each states National Guard or Reserves. On the other hand, anti gun control advocates argue that the Second Amendment clearly states that the people have the right to own and bear arms even if they are not part of an organized militia.
II. ANTI GUN CONTROL ACTIVISTS VIEWS AND BASIS
Anti-gun control activists interpret the Second Amendment as saying that any individual, weather he be in the military or not, should be allowed to own firearms.
Anti-gun control activists believe that the constitutional right granted by the Second Amendment should never be taken away because it would completely violate the purpose the bill of rights (LaPierre, 1 of 2). Thomas Jefferson said, “The strongest reason for the people to retain the right to bear arms is, as a last resort, to protect themselves against tyranny in government.” An unknown author once said, “An armed man is a citizen. An unarmed man is a subject.”
Self-protection is one of the most common reasons for wanting to own firearms. Anti-gun control activists believe that they have the right to protect their family and their homes, two of the most important things in life (A mans home is his castle). An unknown author said, “A gun in the hand is better than a cop on the phone.”
Anti-gun control activists believe that it unconstitutional to take away a right that the Second Amendment specifically states shall not be taken away[“the right of the people to keep and bear Arms shall not be infringed”] (open secrets, 1 of 3).
III. GUN CONTROL ACTIVISTS VIEWS AND BASIS
Gun control activists believe that ordinary law abiding citizens owning guns makes the country unsafe for everyone, especially children. Gun control activists believe that guns kept in the home are unsafe, especially for children. They often say that having guns in the home makes children more susceptible to finding their parents gun, and having a life-threatening accident or attack. (open secrets, 1 of 3).
Gun control activists cite the recent rise in shootings occurring in schools, such as the infamous Columbine incident as an example of why guns should not be kept in the home. An unknown author stated, “Gun control is not about guns; its about control”.
Gun control activists believe that making it harder for ordinary law