Gun Control Mechanisms and its Effects in a Country (Essay Sample)

Gun Control Mechanisms and its Effects in a Country Student’s Name Institutional affiliation Undoubtedly, suicide, homicide, and mass shootings have risen to its toll in the 21st century. For example, the recent shootings witnessed in the United States of America have claimed the lives of many innocent individuals. Precisely, the shootings at Maryland and Illinois states on 28 July 2016 resulted in the death of two people and six others injured. The incidents raise concern primarily on the ownership of guns and gun control laws, Kentucky (2010). Analytically, this research article involves gun control, revealing the negative effects of gun ownership on the society, establishing the strategies to be developed to facilitate gun control, finding the factors that inhibit gun control and advantages that accrue to a nation with good gun control policies. In addition the article also addresses the categories of people to be allowed to own guns which are a fundamental factor in gun control. Gun control refers to laws and policies aimed to restrict the manufacture, sale, purchase, transfer, ownership, modification or the use of guns by civilians through licensing and registration requirements. In this perspective, the laws are to regulate the type of people who should own gun in a certain area and to prevent the use of guns in committing criminal activities, violence, suicides, accidental shootings, terrorism and political violence. Notably, the policies vary from state to state with other countries such as the United Kingdom having comparatively very strict control. For instance, some laws regulate the access to some types of firearms and restrict the kind of people who will be given gun license. Despite the regulations and laws, some individuals still unlawfully acquire guns for unlawful actions which affect the society, Miller and Hemenway (2008). Negative effects of owning a gun Firstly, owning a gun leads to increased gun-shoot related deaths. As a matter of fact, it is evident that people who own guns commit suicide regardless of age, gender, race or educational background.in essence, it has been established that women with guns commit suicide three times more often than women without personal guns. Additionally, personal guns have been found to be the most used weapons for murder in the case of domestic violence. In correspondence, the marital fights ending in homicides have risen to toll in the modern society and most of the deaths are linked to possessing a gun in the house, Kellermann (2008). Secondly, owning a gun breeds irresponsible and dangerous gun behavior. Naturally, accidents are evident when guns get into the wrong hands of children who are not well conversant with the use nor the management of the guns. On the other hand, a gun can be deadly at the hands of an older person under the influence alcohol or drugs. Similarly, it has been observed that even the responsible older people cause harm with guns when intoxicated. Per a research done by Matthew Miller (Ph.D.), Deborah Azrael (Ph.D.) and David Hemenway (Ph.D.), about 50 adults and 14 children die daily from an accidental gun fire, Miller and Hemenway (2008. Thirdly, increased crime rate and high risk of violence have been observed in people owning a gun.in most cases, people who carry guns for self-defense are 4.5 times more likely to be injured than those without a gun in the same condition of attack. Shockingly, it has been established that guns make people with high tempers and stress vulnerable to committing suicide in case of a violence. Moreover, owning a gun leads to more incidences of armed robbery and rape.as a result, the thieves threatens the victims with guns are leaving them with no option of escape but to surrender to robbery. Also, much expense is incurred by the government in police work, legal procedures, court proceedings, and incarcerations when the guns are in the hands of the civilians. Consequently, a, a country faces low productivity, emotional dysfunction and disability payments since most of the tax-payers many are spent in controlling guns. The money being channeled to the control of guns could have been used in the development of the country. Furthermore, the possession of guns leads to increased cases of assassinations. Evidently, the death of most prominent people occurred due to the cases of assassinations. Indeed, the prominent people in subjects include presidents and successful business persons. In the recent past, many cases of assassination attempts of the various presidents have been reported in police on criminal investigation departments. Ways of regulating gun use. To begin with, gun safety is paramount in the protection the citizens. Ideally, compulsory training and licensing should be provided to those citizens who are planning to own guns. Most importantly, clients should also be being trained on safe and secure gun storage system and should frequently be done. Moreover; the licensed individuals should regularly renew their license and training as stipulated by the government. Secondly, the people who have been licensed to own guns should be provided with mental health and trauma reduction services. In such a way, this will ensure that those owning guns always maintain sober-mind and of stable health condition. In effect, accidental guns fires attributed to stress and mental illness are minimized. Moreover, the legislation arm of the government should come up strict rules aimed at regulating the use of guns. In essence; the laws will ensure that guns are only used in the battle field and not in schools, worship places, streets nor movie theaters. The government should also come up with laws which stipulate the age and condition of the persons who should own guns. More probably, the laws should incorporate strict punishment and fine measures to those who evade the regulations set for owning a gun. In addition to that, communities should be educated on the prevention of shootings. Naturally, this will enlighten the society on prevention, intervention and the need for peace among individuals. In the long run, shooting, killings, and violence will be reduced. Furthermore, the gun manufacturers, sales persons, and transport firms should be regulated by the state laws to prevent improper handling of guns. The manufacturing companies should be licensed and regularly monitored to avoid illegal manufacture of guns. The suppliers and the sales firms should also be restricted regarding the categories of people who are supposed to own guns, Bailey et al (1997). Factors that inhibit gun control Firstly, most of the citizens do not trust their government. In fact; it is evident that most people live thinking that the present government will repeat the mistakes that the previous governments did. The bill of rights and constitution forces other people to lose loyalty to the government. Mostly, the politicians tend to protect the regions each one lead instead of the general population of the country. Secondly, the media are involved in giving are a portrayal of the gun owning debate. Precisely, the media makes the citizens that there is war everywhere, and they are about to be attacked .as a result, the people will acquire guns for self-protection. The fear being inflicted to the communities by media will eventually trigger the war between communities. Furthermore, people assume that owning a gun is a symbol of freedom. In this perspective; people are deceived to think that they can be governed, taxed and regulated on their free will. Particularly; this mentality will make the citizens not to take into consideration what neighboring countries will think about them. Lastly, the poor leadership encourages the use of guns. Arguably, so long as the leaders are in power and making the life out the controversial gun debate, t...