Why We're Still Arguing About Gun Control

Introduction

• Recent mass shooting in Las Vegas involved Stephen Paddock shooting from the 32nd floor of Mandalay Bay Hotel.
• 58 people dead, over 500 wounded, worst mass shooting in modern U.S. history.
• Reignited the national debate over gun control and Second Amendment.
• The U.S. has more guns per capita and more gun violence than any other developed country.

What is Gun Control?

• Broad term covering restrictions on firearms.
• Includes regulations on:
  • Types of firearms available
  • Who can buy and sell firearms
  • Storage and carrying of firearms
  • Background checks on buyers
  • Reporting gun sales to the government
  • Ammunition and magazine size restrictions
• Recent debates focus on:
  • Background checks
  • Public carrying laws
  • Types of guns and accessories available

The Second Amendment

• Debate over the right to bear arms.
• Original text mentions a "well regulated Militia" and the right to keep and bear arms.
• U.S. Supreme Court rulings in 2008 and 2010 affirm individual right to own firearms, but allow for regulation.

Federal Gun Control Laws

• Prohibit ownership by convicted felons, certain mentally ill individuals, and undocumented immigrants.
• Licensed dealers must conduct FBI database background checks.
• "Gun show loophole" allows hobbyists to sell without background checks.

Public Opinion

• Gun control is divisive; Democrats and urban areas favor restrictions, Republicans and rural areas favor gun rights.
• Polls show majority support for tighter laws and background checks across party lines.

Arguments Against Gun Control

• Seen as an individual right for self-defense, hunting, and sport.
• Belief that armed citizens can deter crime.
• N.R.A. and other groups resist increased regulations.

Arguments in Favor of Gun Control

• Higher gun ownership equates to more gun violence.
• Reference to 36,000 gun-related U.S. deaths in 2015, with majority as suicides.
• Citing Australia as a case for effective gun control reducing mass shootings.

Controversy Over Gun Laws

• Political support for gun rights crucial in rural areas.
• N.R.A.'s influence significant in political resistance to gun control.
• Increased partisanship affects the ability to pass new legislation.

State-Level Gun Control

• Most regulation occurs at the state level.
• Some states have restrictive laws, others have eased regulations.
• Disparity leads to guns flowing across state lines, impacting places with stricter laws.

Current Developments

• Congressional action historically blocked by Republicans and conservative Democrats.
• Las Vegas shooting may lead to a ban on bump stocks, a device used to increase firing rate of guns.
• Potential for bipartisan agreement on bump stock ban, but broader measures are needed according to gun control advocates.

Conclusion

• The debate remains contentious and deeply partisan, with small potential steps like bump stock bans representing possible compromise.