Gun Control: The Truth Revealed

We live in a society inhibited by a diverse array of people; a large portion contriving to commit unethical and inhumane crimes. Every 13 seconds, a firearm is produced to distribute to more than half the homes in the United States. Every 3 hours, a teenager deliberately takes their own life; and at least 10 children are killed everyday at the hands of guns. Throughout time, Guns have vastly evolved. What first was a preponderant asset to the safety of civilians against the British during the American Revolution became a method to murder. As guns became more accessible, civilians became more exposed to excessive amounts of violence in their everyday lives. A new conflict arises: Should the state mandate guns through new legislation or allow civilians to purchase weapons at their own discretion.

            A prime example of how guns are a detriment to society is the Washington D.C sniper shootings during the fall of 2002.  The entire nation followed the series of murders committed at the hands of two snipers, John Allen Muhammad and John Lee Malvo. The 10 people that died and three that were wounded became merely a statistic of society, forgotten by society to new victims in the news. (Valdez, 2003)  The Washington D.C case introduced a new proposal: the launch of a new national electronic database of “ballistic fingerprints” that would allow the government and police force to identify specific guns through manufacturing test firing records being recorded and released. (Valdez, 2003)  An ATF report stated, “Numerous violent crimes involving firearms have been solved through use of the system, many of which would not have been solved without it.” .(Valdez, 2003)  

            The Bill of Rights, advocated and developed under James Madison, became the cornerstone for citizen’s rights. It specified the rights of each citizen, and limited government intervention on them.  The second amendment states: “well-regulated militia as “being necessary to the security of a Free State,” and prohibits infringement of “the right of the people to keep and bear arms.”In order to provide protection to civilians living in the United States, the founding fathers added the second amendment based on necessity, the necessity for protection against the British. Citizens didn’t have ample food supply, protection, or a stable environment to live in.  They relied on self-defense for their protection. Opponents of gun control continue to argue their constitutional right to own guns. Supporters of gun control argue that violence perpetuates with the increase demand of guns.

 

            The government places regulations on the certain types of guns that civilians are allowed to have, such as barring military weapons. (Valdez, 2003) These military weapons include: machine guns, assault weapons, and devices that would be a detriment to the welfare of society. The government places limitations on specific groups from owning weapons. These groups include children, felons, and people with limited mental capacity. Through this, the law requires background checks on the sales of firearms and manufactures “to imprint each firearm with a serial number.”  (Valdez, 2003)

            During Marbury vs. Madison, John Marshall developed “judicial review.” This allowed the constitution to be interpreted by the Supreme Court, and for courts to set precedents through case law.  The main conflict is interpreting specifically what the founding fathers meant.

            In United States v. Miller, the first Supreme Court case dealing with federal regulation of civilian firearms, The Supreme Court ruled: “the obvious purpose of the second amendment was to assure the continuation and render possible the effectiveness” of state militias.” (Valdez, 2003) In the loose interpretation of the ruling, “the court approved the restrictions of the right to bear arms only if the weapon had no connection to military or militia use.” (Valdez, 2003)

            Another prominent case that pertains to gun-control is United States v. Emerson, a case regarding the legal capacity to possess a firearm while under a restraining order. The appeals court’s of 2001 “rejected the pro-gun control” opinion in United States v. Miller, viewing the right to bear arms as a collective right based solely on the capability to maintain a militia. The decision in United States v. Emerson stated, “The Second Amendment, like the rest of the Bill of Rights, was written with the intention of protecting that right for all citizens, whether they belong to a militia or not.” (Valdez, 2003)   The case set a precedent through a limitation of gun control ownership.  “Felons, infants, and those of unsound min,” were unconstitutional. (Valdez, 2003)   This shows that gun ownership is not an absolute right, but a right bestowed to law abiding citizens competent in their actions.

            In the United States, over 25,000 citizens die each year from gunshot wounds.  In 1998, 10 children and teenagers were killed everyday. (Valdez, 2003)   In certain regions of the United States, background checks are rare to purchase weapons. Neglect is a growing problem to the conflict. “Murder, forcible rape, robbery, aggravated assault, burglary, and theft increased from 2001 by 2.1 percent .”

            The Brady Act, amended in 1993, required a five-day waiting period on handgun sales by licensed dealers and manufacturers. “The waiting period allows state and local law enforcement officials to investigate the criminal records of the purchaser before the gun is sold. On November of 1998, the national instant-check system for all firearms sales replaced the Brady Act.” (Valdez, 2003)  

 

The United States government has limited intervention in the conflict of gun-control. The ATF, also known as the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms oversees laws that are currently in effect.   They are responsible for enforcing the federal laws established through legislation pertaining to firearms, tobacco, alcohol, explosives, and arson. 

            Although it is impossible to completely solve the conflict, government intervention to limit the accessibility of guns available to criminals would be greatly beneficial. The demand is high for guns, but there should still be a limitation on how many guns are produced.  A stricter policy should be established to limit the possession of handguns. Civilians should only be allowed a specific number of both handguns and automatic guns. The government should put restrictions on the type of guns produced and the quality of the products, forcing companies to produce a safer product.

            As times change, civilians are exposed to more violence each year. Guns are responsible for the death of millions of victims, merely living their lives. Although legislation has past for the better, the government is far from solving the problem. 

Citations

Aitkens, Maggi (1992). Should We have Gun Control?. Minneapolis: Lerner Publication Company.Valdez, Angela (2003). CounterPoint Gun Control. Philadelphia: ChelseaHouse Publishers.

Life of John Adams Essay

John Adams, by David McCullough, follows the life of one of the most prominent founders of the American Revolution.  Born on October 30, 1735 at Braintree; John Adams grew up in a small village farmstead, where he had much influence from his father Deacon John and mother Susanna Boylston.  At first, John Adams didn’t like the teacher that he had. After he admitted to wanting to drop out of school and become a farmer; Deacon John Adams enrolled John Adams into a Latin school run by Joseph Cleverly.  While attending school; Cicero’s Orations became one of the proudest possessions of John Adams. After attending law school; John Adams, a “devout” Christian, lawyer, and farmer became a liberal politician of the United States. 

            John Adams started his career in law after signing a contract with James Putnam, to “study under his inspection.” Adams became fascinated by human nature and in essence, psychology.  He continued to read Cicero’s Orations which he continually for guidance. On May 25, 1761; Deacon John, at age 27, died of epidemic influenza.

John Adams inherited “substantial property” in Braintree. He received 40 acres, a house across the street of where he grew up, and part of his father’s estate.  He turned his kitchen into a law office, which was sufficient for him. John Adams soon met Abigail Smith, whom had the same interest in literature. After his marriage, John Adams had Nabby. Two years later, he had John Quincy.

            John Adams soon took interest in politics.  He wrote A Dissertation on the Canon and the Feudal Law, what were to become his first political essay and his first public expression of his patriotism. He started his career as a selectman of Braintree and became a successful attorney. Adams, at age thirty four, defended Thomas Preston, and a soldier of the Boston Massacre. Under such circumstances, he was the only attorney that

            With John Adams being elected as a representative to the Massachusetts legislature; his second son, Charles was born on 1770, and Thomas Boylston in 1772.

In 1774, Adams became one of the five delegates for the first Continental Congress in Philadelphia. To start, he proposed that George Washington lead the army against the British.  While states were declaring independence, John Adams debated topics and defended his liberal views of independence. He became head of the Board of War, fighting for a stronger army, sufficient pay, and assuring that there was sufficient equipment. On September 16, a new plan was adopted by the board of war, that gave every soldier $20 and 100 acres of land. Adams was the first to propose the formation of a military academy. July 2, 1776 marked the largest events in American history, the declaration of Independence. 

He had become head of Committee of Treaties, pleading that commercial connection would be the only connection with France or European powers. He fought for the Plan of Treaties or “articles of entangling alliance”. After Washington evacuated to New Jersey on December 7, what looked to be a gloomy conclusion to American independence, George Washington led a counter-attack that would raise the spirits of Americans and show that there was hope. On November 27,   John Adams became commissioner to France, working with both Franklin and Arthur Lee to negotiate an alliance with France, something that John Adams felt was essential.

After John Adams departed with his son, John Quincy, John Adams drafted a letter to Vergennes, which he firmly believed in the build up the naval forces against Britain.  After leaving France, John Adams attended to his farm and family life. He was chosen as a delegate of the state constitutional convention, in Braintree.

            John Adams wrote, “A Constitution or form of Government for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.” John Adams challenged forms of government with his “Thoughts on Government.”  John Adams believed in branches of government; the Senate, House of Representatives, executive, and governor. With few changes, John Adams was satisfied with the completion of the constitution. John Adams was chosen as “minister plenipotentiary.”

Adams was to negotiate peace with France and agreements of commerce with Britain. He improved the perception of Europe toured the American cause through “information and propaganda.” John Adams, after aggravated Franklin, created a life long distance between the two friends.

Instead of waiting, John Adams departed France, in hopes to receive Dutch loans for the United States. He officially became plenipotentiary of the Dutch Republic. On April 19, 1781, Adams completed a memorial that was sent to the states-general and started preparation to present it.

General Cornwallis surrendered his army to the American and French army, a major turn in the war. Soon After, John Adams created the first “American embassy.”  He negotiated with three Amsterdam banks, receiving “$2 million at 5 percent interest, in June 11, 1782.

John Adams left to start negotiations with the British on October 30. He would negotiate with Franklin and Jay. He negotiated fishing rights, American borders and debts owed to the British. A peace treaty was signed, without the knowledge of congress or France until after it had been signed.  

John Adams presented in front of the king his letter for peace. It was one of the most remarkable events of his life. He presented his countries zeal for independence.  John Adams was patronized and ridiculed for his presentation to the king.

While John Adams was in France, Abigail agreed to meet him there.  When she arrived in France, she wasn’t fond of the trash, women, and the attributes of French society. She was seeking a companion, one in whom represented the morals of her own. During the duration of her stay with John Adams, she and Adams rented a house in France, a “luxury mansion” that fit his job.

When John Adams returned home, he attended to his farming. With talk about the first election, Hamilton worked to take votes away from John Adams. He convinced politicians to withhold their votes from John Adams. With George Washing being elected as president, John Adams became vice president. On April 30, washing was sworn in as the first president of the United States.

            Taking in his job, John Adams vowed to do his best as vice president. He was worried that he wouldn’t “fit the job” as vice president, as he wanted to vent his opinion on topics. John Adams refrained from this. John Adams used his “power” to vote against certain things that he felt weren’t right. One being “keeping capital in New York.”

With the French revolution starting; Britain and England declared war against each other on February 1, 1793. One of the most important decisions of Washington’s presidency was the Proclamation of Neutrality. This allowed the United States to not be involved in foreign affairs.        

With criticism rising, John Adams looked to become the next president. His inauguration was on March 4, 1797. John Adams became the first President that resided in the “White House.” During the duration of his presidency, he tried to maintain order while his cabinet betrayed him. In the midst of all that occurred, John Adams elected Marshall to serve as Chief Justice. With issues rising, John Adams appointed envoys to France to attend to the matters. He also provided for his naval expansion by approving the act for Naval “Armament.”

After John Adam’s term, he was criticized for the Sedition and Alien act. Soon after, Benjamin Franklin tied in electoral votes. With the House of Representatives, he became the 3^rd president of the United States. With tensions growing, Britain resumed attacks on American ships. As a defense, Franklin proposed an embargo on all American shipping.

Soon after, James Madison was elected as the 4^th president of the United States. He elected John Quincy as minister of Russia. While he was in Russia, Napoleon, leader of France, invades Russia. In August, the constitution defeated two British ships, showing their naval ability.

            On October 28, 1818, Abigail died. At age 85, John Adams became a “delegate to a state convention.” His son, John Quincy, was elected president of the United States, obtaining every electoral vote. After a long life, John Adams died on July 4^th.

             The information pertaining to the life of John Adams relates to the text book by the French-American war, and the development of the United States.