Gun Control is Unconstitutional, Emmaus High Student Says

Special to Emmaus Patch by Max Krug

Americans seem to have trouble agreeing with one another. It feels as though there is always a controversial issue that demands the attention and immediate action of the public.

At present, our nation finds itself in the thralls of an argument that holds national importance, and may very well change the way the American government looks at the Constitution. Gun control has held national attention lately as a rash of devastating attacks on innocent civilians have shocked and enraged citizens all across the country. Though both sides of this fevered debate hold intelligent and important opinions, it cannot be ignored that gun control as a whole is fundamentally flawed and even unconstitutional. 

Gun control supporters are pushing for stricter laws regarding the use of firearms. One such law pro-gun control groups are pushing for is a ban similar to the Federal Assault Ban of 1990 which capped the magazines of some guns but not others. Concern over legal magazine size was brought forth when, on the fourteenth of December, Sandy Hook Elementary School was the site of a terrible shooting, in which the gunman used an extended magazine.

Another viewpoint held by supporters of gun control concerns the strictness of background checks, as well as the length of time required to gain ownership of a firearm. The current waiting period stands at five days, during which the potential gun owner’s background is checked and official records are created.

Some gun control lobbyists are requesting that the waiting period be extended and the background check more extensive. This would make it increasingly more difficult to obtain firearms. While these supporters certainly do bring up a good point in the limitation of magazine sizes (there is no reason an everyday citizen needs an extended clip or machine gun), their overall cause of attempting to control gun ownership is ill-conceived.

Though based on noble intentions, supporters of gun control are ultimately asking the government to disregard and contradict the Constitution. The Second Amendment states that it is “the right of the people to keep and bear arms.” Petitioning for gun control is a direct infringement of this part of the Bill of Rights. Allowing part of the Constitution to be overlooked would set a precedent for neglecting Americans’ personal freedoms. The moment one right is disregarded is the moment American’s begin to lose their freedom.

Gun control is a subject whose outcome will affect every inhabitant of the United States. This topic is vast and significant to all who are concerned with the affairs of this country. A person passionate in their beliefs on this issue would benefit greatly from investigating the topic on their own, no matter which side they may take. One who wishes to have their opinion heard should contact their local Congressman and ask for support. There are certainly positive aspects to both arguments in these debates, but it cannot be ignored that gun control is a flawed idea that would, if implemented, lead to insurmountable challenges and negative effects.

Max Krug is a currently a student in Ms. Bonnie Raub's 10th grade English class at Emmaus High School. Krug wrote this essay as part of a class assignment.