Gun Control Or Self Control?

We have all heard of the recent mass shooting at Stoneman Douglas High School in   Parkland, Florida. The shooter was revealed as a recently expelled student of the school named Nikolas Cruz.  His attack on the school resulted in 17 fatalities made up of both students and teachers. In the wake of yet another mass shooting, the gun control debate reigns. Many will say that if the United States put a ban on guns, the issue would be resolved.  Others say that we should strengthen gun laws, calling for overall stricter government controlling policies. Some, like myself, believe the answer is neither of the opinions listed. In fact, it is quite the opposite. A more unpopular opinion on the topic would suggest that use of guns should be implemented even more than they are now.  The image of gun usage after seeing such horrific events is twisted into a reflection of pure evil. With this “evil” now filling the minds of those affected and those watching, it is understandable why so many would be for the rid of guns completely.

Yes, at this point it might sound crazy to further promote the usage of guns, but there is logical reasoning behind it.  I believe that with greater gun control, the more reckless people become. If we look into the past by president, one can see how the numbers of mass shootings have changed.  It is important to keep in mind that Democrats tend to favor gun control over Republicans. Here is a list of past presidents and the number of mass shootings during their time in office: Reagan (Republican – 11 shootings), Bush Sr. (Republican – 12 shootings), Clinton (Democrat – 23 shootings), Bush Jr. (Republican – 20 shootings), Obama (Democrat – 27 shootings).  Dating back to the presidential terms of Ronald Reagan, it is clear to see that the numbers of mass shootings have been the highest under left leaning presidents. During Obama’s presidency, in which he pushed the greatest for gun control, 27 mass shootings took place. That’s more shootings than any of the other four presidents.

Obviously, the strengthening of gun control is not the answer.  This is why I am for the opposite of that. If every teacher was trained, background checked, and cleared by the government, why couldn’t they have guns?  This would secure every classroom simultaneously with a weapon. If this method was applied to the school in Florida, the shooter could have been stopped in seconds.  Some would argue that the use of armed guards, instead of teachers, in schools is a better idea, but how is an armed guard supposed to ensure the protection of 2,972 students all at once?  Furthermore, it was recorded that the armed guard at the Florida School never even encountered the gunman during his deadly rampage. Looking at the facts, it is clear to me that the usage of guns should be more prevalent than they are now.  Instead of controlling guns, people should start controlling themselves…with guns! It is this idea of self control that has been lost. It is not the government’s job to restrict my right to bear arms, it is rather my job to control my right and handle it responsibly.

Works Consulted:

https://www.cnn.com/2018/02/19/us/florida-school-shooting/index.htmlhttps://www.snopes.com/mass-shootings-obama/https://obamawhitehouse.archives.gov/the-press-office/2016/01/04/fact-sheet-new-executive-actions-reduce-gun-violence-and-make-ourhttps://www.usnews.com/education/best-high-schools/florida/districts/broward-county-public-schools/marjory-stoneman-douglas-high-school-4749http://www.nydailynews.com/news/crime/armed-guard-florida-school-encountered-rampaging-gunman-article-1.3822777