Gun Control Essay, Research Paper

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.