A Matter of Self Protection or Pure Warmongering

Jake Hughes
The Paw Print

How many times are guns actually used for self-protection? With the outbreak of firearm related murders over the past decade, the cry for stricter firearm regulations is now more than ever.
The controversial debate is orientating around keeping guns out of the hands of criminals and in the hands of trusted, responsible people who feel they need protection in their own homes. According to studies, gun owners have stated that protection is the main reason for attaining a firearm, a statement that has doubled since 1999 and overtaken hunting purposes. But, the question is, how often do Americans use their firearms for protection?
We can also go as far as saying, how do Americans use their guns for protection? Countless studies have been unable to answer such controversial questions which only add fuel to the firearm regulation debate.
Like most debates there are two legitimate sides to any story and this one is no different. Even the President, Barrack Obama recognizes that the debate is highly sensitive and has two sides. Determining the important of self-protection is as complex as the number of different variables differing from one circumstance to another. Sometimes trained professionals, like the police, cannot be there in the instant they are needed, and a firearm can give that protection that is needed.
However, that judgment and decision to pull the trigger is now down to the individual who may be acting in fear, which is the main argument of the opposite party. Most Americans are split on the decision whether guns save more lives than they kill. However, crime in America -weather it be assault, murder, or property crime- has dropped dramatically since the early 90’s according to the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Criminologists have stated that the drop in crime could be related to fewer Americans drawing firearms.
Since the early 90’s eighteen states have introduced the stand-your-ground law, and some states have reduced gun regulations in terms of gun ownership and concealed weapons.
These regulations and laws have reinforced Americas need for self-protection and have reflected its attitudes about guns. The problem with these laws and regulations is that it has given the individual the power to make a decision whether or not to pull the trigger. We all know about the incident in Florida with the 17year old boy who got shot by an individual who took matters into his own hands, instead of waiting for trained professionals. It’s a perfect example of how these laws are failing.
How can a sales person at Wal-Mart, for example, determine whether a person is appropriate to attain a firearm? It does differ from state to state, but the overall consensus is that firearm sales and regulations need to tougher like on other countries where firearms are used on a daily basis.
In a country obsessed with security and protection it’s bewildering to think that such relaxed regulations and laws are in place for firearms. It’s even more astonishing to think about now especially because of all the shooting within schools.