Gun Control a Constitutional Issue

Again there is talk about imposing gun control but the problem is not the guns as some politicians want you to think it is the individuals who use them to impose mass killings. Gun violence is a problem across our country but under the Constitution we have the right to bear arms. Our founding fathers knew what they were doing when they made this right a part of the Constitution. The Constitution gives us this right but there are those who want to ignore this right and impose controls on all individuals to own and bear guns. It is a fight that has been ongoing and the latest shootings in Oregon have raised the issue again.

If it is one thing I have learned through my years it is that figures do not lie but liars figure. To put it another way if you want a certain outcome the data collected will produce desired outcome. This is nothing new with the government and perhaps in some cases private industry. Conclusions should be based on all data to have a reliable outcome. One thing for sure is that there are millions of law abiding individuals across this land who own guns and punishing these individuals by taking their rights away is against the Constitution. Some facts have been reported about gun violence but they ignore the fact that criminals do not abide by the law and if they want guns they have the methods to get them.

I do no disagree that something needs to be done if it is at all possible but there are so many variables involved including human nature that it is impossible to stop all of these events. Gun violence not just mass shootings have become a way of life in many cities and from reports it is on the rise. I agree that there may be individuals who should not have the opportunity to own guns such as those who have mental health issues but this is not always evident. Individuals get depressed or overwhelmed who have no history. There is no possible way to restrict these individuals from purchasing a gun if they are so inclined to make such a purchase.

Imposing new laws or restrictions is not the solution. The fact remains there are many laws currently on the books which are not being enforced and creating new laws or regulations will only add to the problem. Each time there is a tragedy such as the Oregon shootings government wants to immediately step in and take action. Actions have been promised in the past when these shootings have occurred but nothing has taken place. This is not the fault of any political party or administration. The problem is to know what elements of these mass shootings can be controlled and what elements do not provide an opportunity to control them.

Mass gun control legislation is unconstitutional and government can go too far in efforts to control situations. Government overreacts in many situations and in such cases ultimately the problem they are trying to fix is made worse by overbearing laws and regulations. Government is not the answer to everything and it was never meant to be the ultimate fixer of all problems as identified in the Constitution. It is hoped that if actions which can be taken to reduce this type of violence that they will be taken. Gun violence is not restricted to mass shootings gun violence occurs across this country and each case has their own elements some common some not. Trying to control every situation is impossible even for government and instituting gun control in violation of the Constitution is not the answer. Any action taken should be through Congress not through an executive order. Executive orders do not have the full weight of law.