Julian Taka | On 02, Jan 2020

In our time in America, our country is divided on the issue of gun control.  Many are divided on their opinions on what should be done with our firearms. Many people throughout the country are wondering when an effective solution will be made to stop the gun violence that has taken place.

In a nutshell, the Democrats call for reforms and more control on guns, and for more background checks on those buying firearms. The Republicans say that more control infringes on the second amendment our founding fathers instituted centuries ago. Here are a few opinions that both sides hold. 

The Democrats’ opinion is that we must have tighter control over the distribution of firearms. One idea that is currently gaining momentum by Democrats is for the buyer to obtain a license before they are allowed to purchase a firearm.

New Jersey Senator and presidential candidate Cory Booker has called for a national licensing program that would require those seeking to purchase firearms to go through a rigorous process in order to acquire that right. The process would require individuals to go through background checks, fingerprinting, and interviews in order to obtain the license.

Most states already have systems in place to purchase firearms, but many Democrats are calling for federal legislation on this issue.

The Republican stance on this matter is different. While many on the right do believe in some forms of gun control, they believe that total gun control infringes on the inalienable rights of every American citizen. They deeply believe that every American has the right to own a gun and not be prevented by government interference.

This belief stems from The Bill of Rights, the first ten amendments of the constitution. Of those ten undeniable rights outlined by the Bill of Rights, Republicans place heavy value on the second amendment, believing that changes in social norms are not an excuse to change the rights and freedoms guaranteed by the constitution.

Again, many Republicans aren’t totally opposed to measures of gun control, such as when Ronald Reagan signed the undetectable firearm act of 1988. This is one example that shows Republicans are willing to put measures on firearms if they believe they are just.

At the end of the day, neither party has yet come up with a solution to solve the matter. The Democrats try to push for more regulations on firearms, while the Republicans believe in upholding traditions and support the second amendment deeply.

Hopefully, we see a resolution to this conflict one day, if both parties were willing to come up with a compromise that benefits them. Until then, this matter will continue to trouble and polarize Americans.