We're Coming To Take Your Guns?

When it comes to the topic of sensible gun control, one thing always seems to be at the forefront of the discussion; the government is going to take our guns. While this may be a possibility, at the moment it's a far-fetched one at best. The government can't take your guns, and you have the constitution to thank (or curse) for that, so why do so many Americans latch on to this talking point? Good ol' political propaganda and fear mongering is what I strongly suspect, and here's why.

Let's look at one glaring fact: There's never been a "gun grab." For decades Americans have had a fear that the government is going to take their guns. Yet as time passes, there only seems to be more and more guns making their way into the hands of citizens. If the government is attempting to disarm it's people, they're doing a really lousy job of it. Every time there's a piece of regulation written in an attempt to make us safe from potentially more gun violence, it's almost always shot down. In other words, the people in power have done little to make their fears come true. This is an indesputable fact.

While there are things the left and right seem to disagree on when it comes to gun control, there are several that they see eye to eye on. However, the people in power seem to ignore our wants time and again, but time and again we elect and reelect these people to serve as our representatives. If only there were a way to choose a candidate based on policies instead of their political party.

I think I may have figured something out.

First, I'm going to think about issues that are important to me. Second, I'm going to look at a candidate's stance on said issues and see if they align with mine. That seems like a pretty novel idea, don't ya think? Keeping the constitution in mind, these are things that I think will be effective when it comes to sensible gun reform in the US. In addition to not accepting 'campaign contributions' from the NRA, the candidate I support would be in alignment with these points:

▪️Universal background checks.

▪️Require ALL persons selling firearms to do background checks, not just Licensed Federal Firearms dealers.

▪️Licensing which requires yearly renewal/recheck of licensee.

▪️Minimum mandatory firearm training of 40 hours and refresher courses thereafter in order to maintain license.

▪️Mandatory registration of ALL firearms.

▪️Increase wait times for firearms and do not sell a firearm until background check has been completed and cleared.

▪️Federal database of weapons purchases including the sale of ammunition and accessories/modifiers.

▪️Raise legal age of gun ownership to 21.

▪️Deny access of firearms to those with violent criminal history. (Domestic abuse, violent drug crimes, etc).

▪️Ban the sale of high capacity magazines.

▪️Ban the sale of devices which would increase rapid fire capability.

▪️Require psychologists/psychiatrists to report those who wish to do harm to others to law enforcement/FBI.

▪️Criminally charge those who possess a firearm not legally registered to them.

▪️Psychological evaluation. (This is admittedly tricky).

▪️Prosecute sellers who violate any laws pertaining to the sale of weapons and ammunition.

I know the list is lengthy, but if you're a law abiding citizen, none of these things should cause you any distress. If anything, this should make you feel better about being a gun owner. If you meet these requirements, you can truly call yourself a 'good guy/gal with a gun.'