Gun Control

Gun Control

By Harry E. Berndt

There has been a mountain of discussion and articles relating to gun control since the tragedy of the children and teachers in Newtown. Most of the discussion focused on assault weapons, and control of such weapons must be initiated. However, over seventy percent of gun related deaths and injuries result from the use of hand guns. All of the articles provided much needed information and suggestions, but I would like to add to the discussion and focus on hand guns. I am, however, very aware that the following is a radical proposal and could never be adopted in the United States. It could not be adopted, not because it is not possible, but rather because the gun myths in the United States are so ingrained that it is next to impossible to discuss limiting gun ownership. Nevertheless, the article might engender more thoughtful dialogue.

In our society, one must obtain a license to serve liquor. Often the license is expensive and difficult to obtain, and some restaurants operate without offering liquor. Why not require a license to sell hand guns, and why not make it very expensive to obtain? In the 1950’s I lived in Utah and individuals were required to buy a license before they could purchase liquor from the state run liquor stores. Why not require people who wish to purchase hand guns purchase a license and make the cost of purchase extremely expensive? The seller would be required to record the serial number of the gun and the license number of the purchaser. Those who already have guns, and we know there are millions who do, should also be required to obtain a license. Those who for one or another reason are found without a license would face court imposed punishment.

We can talk all we want about the problems of mental illness and guns, but the real problem will not be resolved unless we reduce the availability of hand guns. We should also impose every legal means to dissuade the manufacturing of guns. For too long those who profit from the manufacture of hand guns have been free of onerous regulations. For example, user safety mechanisms such as trigger locks should be made mandatory.

If properly done, all of the above could impose huge costs on the purchase of hand guns and might dissuade many from owning a hand gun. One reason for the success of gun control in some nations is that it is difficult and expensive to own a gun. The problem is not the people; the problem is guns. It is the good people, people like you and me, people who can pass background checks, that are a large part of the problem and who are responsible for many hand gun deaths. The idea that mental illness is a major cause of the problem is beyond belief. Mass murders are horrific and may be caused often by mentally disturbed people, but mass murders are a small part of the overall problem of gun deaths in this country. We should focus on getting rid of the guns by making manufacturing, sales, and ownership very difficult and very expensive.

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