Gun Control
Reformation May Not be Necessary In the political realm, weapons are a huge controversial topic, guns in particular. The Sullivan Act, was the first piece toward gun reformation and was passed in 1911 for New York State. The law required anyone who carried a small firearm to have a permit. This piece of legislation is still in effect today. In the 1960’s, there were a series of important political assassination’s including, President John F. Kennedy, Martin Luther King Jr., and Senator Robert Kennedy (Gun Control Reform). Politicians feel that they can change the world with legislation. For example, in 2001, after the September 11th attacks President George Bush pushed through a series of acts which allowed for the government to put taps into our phones, computers and other electronic devices. The passing of this act is an infringement on the First Amendment. The act is a violates our freedom of speech. The acts were presented to the United States citizens as a way to prevent terrorism. Well in the 60’s the killings of important political figures lead to the Gun Control Act of 1968. The act imposed the sales of firearms, forced dealers to keep more stringent records, also sales across state lines were forbidden. Lee Harvey Oswald purchased his rifle, that he used to murder president John F. Kennedy, through the mail. As a direct result, the Gun Control Act also banned the sale of shotguns and rifles threw the mail. This law is perfectly fine because a weapon should be purchased at a store so a valid background check could be run. Other laws that prohibit the use of automatic weapons, hand grenades, rockets etc. are suitable. There is not a regular American out there that needs a AK-47 or a hand grenade to defend his homestead. In 1993, Bill Clinton approved the Brady Bill. This law placed a involuntary five day waiting period for any purchase of a firearm. A law such a the Brady Bill is ridiculous. There is no need for such an extensive background check, it
Cited: Is Gun Ownership a Right? Greenhaven Press. Farmington Hills, MI. 2005. Print. “Gun Control Reform.” Issues & Controversies. Facts On File News Services, 28 Feb. 2011. 20 Mar. 2013. Web. Mdc.mo.gov. Share- Harvest, 2010. Web. 29 March 2013.