Gun control: Protection or privilege?

Treyce Bannerman, Hi-Times Assistant Editor

Gun control has been a hotly debated topic for several years. As of 2010, almost half of American households contain a firearm. Many proud gun owners assert they are only exercising their Second Amendment right “to bear arms.” Sadly, many of those same gun owners couldn’t tell you at least two of the rights guaranteed in the First Amendment.

What has sparked the gun control debate? Many conservative gun rights advocates have managed to water down violent firearm use to “self-defense.” Hiding behind laws such as Florida’s “Stand Your Ground” law, wannabe cop George Zimmerman could legally justified shooting unarmed teenager Trayvon Martin. Four more Florida shootings were also justified by “Stand Your Ground.”

Yes, it’s legal. Twenty-four other states, including Mississippi, have loosely interpretable self-defense and justifiable homicide laws. As long as you have a gun and think you might be in danger, you can fire at will. No permit? Got a criminal record? That’s cool, you can shoot.

Unfortunately, ridiculously outdated self-defense laws and countless unjustifiable shootings did not raise that much attention toward the gun control issue.

Since 2006, 272 mass killings have been confirmed. Of the 272 mass killings, 202 were shootings. On July 20, 2012, James Holmes fired on moviegoers in an Aurora, Colorado, movie theater. Twelve died, 58 were injured. Five months later at Sandy Hook Elementary School, Adam Lanza murdered six teachers and 20 elementary students shortly after killing his own mother.

Although news media and social networks leak graphic pictures of shooting rampage victims, pro-gunners never miss an opportunity to clarify that guns didn’t kill those people, humans did.

That’s right, guns just helped out.

In light of recent events, many gun owners are afraid their precious guns will be taken away. However, both the majorities of gun rights advocates and some gun control advocates fail to understand that guns will never disappear. Firearms will circulate legally and illegally as long as they can shoot bullets.

The fear is not losing your guns. Background checks, assault weapon bans and open carry laws are the same policies that help you keep your guns. The fear is this: How many more Trayvon Martins or Sandy Hooks have to happen before we wake up? By turning a blind eye to the gun black market, we are putting deadly weapons in the hands of drug addicts, alcoholics and murderers. We’re risking our lives to protect our guns.

That doesn’t sound like a fair trade.

Gun Facts

  • A mass killing is defined as the murder of four or more people. 77 percent of all mass killings from 2006 to 2011 were shootings.
  • A firearm is defined as a rifle, handgun or shotgun.
  • The most recent mass shooting took place on Jan. 9.