Gun Violence: The Real Problem and Why Federal Bans Won’t Fix It

Gun violence is a contentious topic, with passionate advocates for and against strict gun control measures. The focus often shifts to the firearm itself, rather than the individual wielding it. For instance, is it appropriate to call incidents of violence 'gun violence' when the inherent danger comes not from the firearm, but from the person who uses it? Can we collectively agree to call it 'criminal violence'?

The call for federal bans on specific firearms, such as the AR-15, has become a prominent part of the debate. However, it’s crucial to ask why Democrats are so focused on banning AR-15s, which were only made more modern with features like the black stock. Meanwhile, handguns have long been the most common firearm used in mass shootings, which seems to be overlooked in the public discourse.

Failed Attempts at Gun Control

Have any of the gun control measures that have been proposed and implemented been effective? The stark answer is no. Books filled with talking points designed by the anti-gun left often lead to knee-jerk reactions, sweeping laws, and yet none of these have succeeded in their objective of preventing shootings, reducing crime, or reducing murders. It’s almost as if the societal issues of poverty, homelessness, drug addiction, hopelessness, and helplessness amplify the violence, rather than the tools themselves.

Moreover, if preventing violence was as simple as banning a certain type of firearm, the US should have seen a decline in gun-related incidents since the firearms in question have been around for over 240 years, with similar firearms present in the country since 1907. So, why is the emphasis solely on the firearm rather than on the systemic issues?

Numbers and Context

Do we need a specific number to accept that gun violence is a problem? Statistically, 150 incidents over 20 years in a country of 350 million people might seem significant. However, in context, that number pales in comparison to the societal challenges mentioned earlier. While violence and murder are serious issues, they peaked 30 years ago according to FBI statistics, which further underlines that the problem is more systemic than simply access to firearms.

It's important to focus on the root causes instead of passing legislation that may not address the real issues. Measures like constitutional carry in more states and shall-issue states have shown promising results, as violent crime rates have steadily decreased alongside these changes. The phrase 'zero tolerance' seems to be the mantra, but perhaps the real question should be: at what point is society willing to accept the number of incidents and move on?

Conclusion

The debate over gun violence is complex and multifaceted. While the government and public figures argue about the efficacy of bans and measures, it’s crucial to look beyond the firearm and understand the underlying issues. Legal and social changes that target poverty, addiction, and systemic inequalities might be more effective than merely focusing on the tools. We must continue to have these discussions and find practical, evidence-based solutions.