Introduction
There are polarized approaches to gun ownership in the United States, as some people advocate strict gun laws and others want gun ownership to be freer. In this regard, the context of the school shooting is of particular importance as clear evidence in favor of stricter standards. The case study in Chapter 7 of the textbook looks at the 2012 shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Connecticut (Clemons & Mark, 2020).
The incident left a significant mark on the history of firearm possession controversy, with 26 deaths that day (Clemons & Mark, 2020). Many activists began to actively spread the opinion that laws should be stricter in limiting the possession and purchase of weapons. The public outcry reached a reasonably high level, but the protests did not lead to changes since no toughening was adopted.
The Need for Gun Ownership Reforms
Legislative lobbying movements primarily drive policies and approaches to regulating the possession and acquisition of firearms in the United States. Partly for this reason, no action was taken to expand control in 2012, as lobbyists opposed it (Clemons & Mark, 2020). There is no single accepted rule or restriction regarding firearms in the United States, as each state can make its own laws.
Some have focused on arming teachers and other school personnel to deter potential shooters. This approach has been controversial, with critics arguing that it creates more risks than solutions. Others have called for increased mental health services and support for at-risk students to prevent school shootings before they happen. In Texas, lawmakers have responded to mass shootings by loosening gun restrictions, such as allowing for the open carrying of firearms in more places.
There is a need for comprehensive gun control policies at both the state and federal levels. While I support the Second Amendment right to bear arms, I believe this right must be balanced with the need to protect public safety. The current patchwork of state-level gun control laws is insufficient to address the issue of gun violence in the United States.
A potential solution to the gun-related problem would be to require complete background checks of the purchaser. This would help prevent people with criminal records or histories of mental illness from obtaining firearms. Second, there should be a ban on assault weapons and high-capacity gun magazines. Such weapons were designed for other purposes and cannot be used for sale to civilians. No reason anyone needs to own an AR-15 or a similar weapon exists.
Third, there should be a mandatory waiting period for all gun purchases. This way, violent acts can be prevented better, and law enforcement officials can have time to conduct background checks and other investigations. Finally, there should be increased funding for mental health services and support for at-risk students. While not all school shooters have a history of mental illness, many do. Providing access to mental health services could help prevent potential shooters from acting on their impulses.
Conclusion
In conclusion, each state has unique policy approaches toward gun control, with some enacting stricter laws than others. However, comprehensive gun control policies are still necessary at both the state and federal levels. This would help prevent gun violence and protect public safety while respecting the Second Amendment right to bear arms. School shootings are just one example of why more effective gun control policies in the United States are required. Even though there are robust debates about gun control in the United States, the existing policies apply based on the unique social and political context.
Reference
Clemons, R. S. M., & Mark K. (2020). Public policy praxis: A case approach for understanding policy and analysis. Routledge.