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Gun control debate: Background checks
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The United States of America has more Guns than cars, and has more gun shops than major supermarkets. In the aftermath for the recent Newtown tragedy, President Obama explained to the families of the 26 people killed that the tragedies “must end”. But how can these changes take place? And what needs to be done in order to stop the violence in the United States?
Before I start, lets have a look at some of the alarming statistics in the United States. At present, there are 270 million guns in circulation; there are 51438 gun stores and 36569 supermarkets. When you include pawn shops, collectors and other retail outlets, there are 129,817. There are more guns in the US than cars on the road. And if we look at the comparison of guns Vs people, there are 867 guns per 1000 people. US gun laws are also based on an antiquated constitutional amendment that was written in 1791, that’s right, at the time of horse and cart. Its time for a change; but how? And who decides?
The United States government is based on a Constitutional framework. The United states constitutions the worlds oldest national constitution, and in saying that, with the events that have occurred in the US over the past year, maybe its time for the US to update or change their constitution, after all, they are following an amendment that was written in 1791. Yes, this seems like a lot of work. In a nutshell, to change the constitution, the U.S. Congress, both the House of Representatives and the Senate approve by a two-thirds supermajority vote, a joint resolution amending the Constitution. The amendments do not require the signature of the President and are sent directly to the states for ratification. To ratify the amendments, 3/4's of the state legislatures must approve it. The Supreme Court has stated that ratification must be within "some reasonable time after the proposal." Beginning with the 18th amendment, it has been customary for Congress to set a definite period for ratification. In the case of the 18th, 20th, 21st, and 22nd amendments, the period set was 7 years, but there has been no determination as to just how long a "reasonable time" might extend.
Of the thousands of proposals that have been made to amend the Constitution, only 33 obtained the necessary two-thirds vote in Congress. Of those 33, only 27 amendments; including the Bill of Rights. (Longley,R, 2012).
It seems to be a trend in the US that when ever the topic of banning gun laws arises, some gun-toting hipster always has to refer to FBI statistics, or comment on “how will we hunt the deer in our backyard” If this be the case, the statistics are correct and people still want to hunt, why not look at other countries as an example? People hunt in the United Kingdom and managed to only have 14 deaths from gun violence in 2012. The same goes for Australia, 25 deaths from gun related violence, and take my word; we have plenty on pests to hunt over here. The United States, 9369 deaths in 2012 (Nation master.com). If looking at statistics and comparing numbers isn’t your thing, just have a look at what is happening at your front door step.
To the United States, its time to look at the numbers, compare and contrast, do what ever you have to do, think of the lives lost, and do something about it.
Before I start, lets have a look at some of the alarming statistics in the United States. At present, there are 270 million guns in circulation; there are 51438 gun stores and 36569 supermarkets. When you include pawn shops, collectors and other retail outlets, there are 129,817. There are more guns in the US than cars on the road. And if we look at the comparison of guns Vs people, there are 867 guns per 1000 people. US gun laws are also based on an antiquated constitutional amendment that was written in 1791, that’s right, at the time of horse and cart. Its time for a change; but how? And who decides?
The United States government is based on a Constitutional framework. The United states constitutions the worlds oldest national constitution, and in saying that, with the events that have occurred in the US over the past year, maybe its time for the US to update or change their constitution, after all, they are following an amendment that was written in 1791. Yes, this seems like a lot of work. In a nutshell, to change the constitution, the U.S. Congress, both the House of Representatives and the Senate approve by a two-thirds supermajority vote, a joint resolution amending the Constitution. The amendments do not require the signature of the President and are sent directly to the states for ratification. To ratify the amendments, 3/4's of the state legislatures must approve it. The Supreme Court has stated that ratification must be within "some reasonable time after the proposal." Beginning with the 18th amendment, it has been customary for Congress to set a definite period for ratification. In the case of the 18th, 20th, 21st, and 22nd amendments, the period set was 7 years, but there has been no determination as to just how long a "reasonable time" might extend.
Of the thousands of proposals that have been made to amend the Constitution, only 33 obtained the necessary two-thirds vote in Congress. Of those 33, only 27 amendments; including the Bill of Rights. (Longley,R, 2012).
It seems to be a trend in the US that when ever the topic of banning gun laws arises, some gun-toting hipster always has to refer to FBI statistics, or comment on “how will we hunt the deer in our backyard” If this be the case, the statistics are correct and people still want to hunt, why not look at other countries as an example? People hunt in the United Kingdom and managed to only have 14 deaths from gun violence in 2012. The same goes for Australia, 25 deaths from gun related violence, and take my word; we have plenty on pests to hunt over here. The United States, 9369 deaths in 2012 (Nation master.com). If looking at statistics and comparing numbers isn’t your thing, just have a look at what is happening at your front door step.
To the United States, its time to look at the numbers, compare and contrast, do what ever you have to do, think of the lives lost, and do something about it.
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