Gun Control – December 2015

There has been a mountain of discussion and articles relating to gun control, as a result of the mass murders, especially those occurring in the United States. . Most of the discussion focuses 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.

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 hand guns, and we know there are millions who do, should also be required to obtain a license.

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 take every legal means to regulate 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. We require automobile manufacturers to have safety belts in all vehicles. Why can’t we require gun manufacturers to install safety mechanisms?

We seldom read about discussions concerning the responsibility of gun manufacturers in relation to our country’s gun control problems. The problem is not the people; the problem is guns. Good people having hand guns, people like you and me, people who can pass background checks, are often responsible for hand gun deaths. Road rage and anger resulting from differences of one kind or another often end with the deadly use of a gun. Without the gun, good people might use inappropriate language or conduct, but deaths would not occur.

 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 hand guns by making manufacturing, sales, and ownership very difficult and very expensive.

Word count – 427 words

Harry E. Berndt

150 Parsons Ave.

Webster Groves, MO. 63119

Phone: 314-962-1749

Email: hberndt1926@sbcglobal.net