In the wake of tragic gun violence, there is often a rush to blame firearms and responsible gun owners for the actions of a few bad actors. However, this knee-jerk reaction does not take into account the countless instances where responsible gun owners have saved the day and prevented crimes from occurring.
Instead of focusing on banning firearms or “assault weapons”, we should be addressing the underlying issues of mental health that are often at the heart of mass shootings and other acts of gun violence. It is clear that many of the perpetrators of these crimes are radicalized or mentally unstable, and by providing better access to mental health care, we can prevent many tragedies from occurring in the first place.
It is also important to remember that the vast majority of gun owners are responsible and law-abiding citizens who use their firearms for self-defense, hunting, and sport shooting. Punishing these individuals for the actions of a few bad actors is not the solution… or constitutional.
Contrary to popular belief, the term “assault weapon”, used to describe firearms that simply look more intimidating, doesn’t actually mean anything to the firearm industry. This is a term created by the media in an effort to add fear to the issue. There are many hunting rifles that look less scary but can create more damage and destruction than these so-called “assault weapons” Aiming to ban “Assault Weapons” does nothing to address the root causes of gun violence and leaves hundreds of other firearms on the shelf that can ultimately cause the same or more harm, but at least they are less scary… looking?
Instead, we should be promoting responsible gun ownership and ensuring that firearms are used safely and properly. This includes providing education and training for gun owners, ensuring that firearms are stored securely, and enforcing laws that prevent convicted felons and other dangerous individuals from owning firearms. Most responsible gun owners would be happy to submit to training and education; many of them already advocate for it.
In conclusion, blaming firearms and responsible gun owners for the actions of a few bad actors is not the answer. Instead, we should be addressing the underlying issues of mental health and promoting responsible gun ownership. By working together, we can create safer communities for everyone.
-Jeremy Webb
