HK P9S in 9 mm Parabellum. The P9S was adopted by the US Navy, German police and other military and law enforcement. Photo: Ridzuan Aziz
For many Americans belief in the right to bear arms still prevails amidst controversy in the wake of three recent fatal shootings, writes Todd Holbrook in Phoenix Arizona.
Even in light of the Colorado Aurora movie theatre massacre in July and the shooting at a Sikh temple in Wisconsin in early August, many Americans still believe current restrictions and availability of firearms will not, and should not, change.
Although gun law has been one of the most controversial issues in American politics, it seems most Americans still support the country’s current legislation. This is also the stance that both US President Barack Obama and Republican contender Mitt Romney are sticking with in the lead-up to the November presidential election.
President Obama has not placed new gun legislation on the agenda this year but indicated he would focus on other ways to combat gun violence.
Days after the mass shootings in Colorado, White House spokesman Jay Carney said President Obama still supports a ban on the sale of assault weapons, a restriction that expired in 2004, but said there were things that could be done to reduce violence “short of legislation and short of gun laws”.
And on the day a police officer, a gunman and a third person were killed in a shooting near Texas A&M University, Romney said it was not about the weapons used in the attacks but about the individuals who chose to commit violence against others. He said “thoughtful consideration” was needed about what could be done to prevent violent attacks but was not calling for any legislation.
Resistance to restrictions on gun ownership extends beyond Washington.
Mike Canter, a Gilbert Arizona resident and gun owner, said most of the current gun laws only affect law abiding citizens.
“Laws that are in place, like background checks before purchasing a gun, are there to maintain order and fairness for those who want a gun,” Canter said. “People who use guns for criminal activity often obtain their guns by illegal means.”
Canter said proper instruction on the use of guns was essential.
“I grew up in a home with guns and they were readily accessible,” Canter said.
“But from a young age I was taught how and when to use a gun and was often taken out to shoot with my dad. Guns were never a mystery or a surprise to me. I respected them and knew what they could do.
“I plan to teach my children the same respect for guns and ownership that I was taught from a young age.”
Another argument for the right to bear firearms is self-defense, according to Rob Snarr, a gun enthusiast from Santa Barbara, California.
“At a federal level I think the gun laws are pretty fair, but certain states are extremely restrictive,” Snarr said. “It’s been proven that the more law abiding citizens are armed, the less criminal activity will take place.”
Asked what he would do if he found himself in a situation where a shooting occurred, Snarr said his ability to defend himself depended on where he lived.
“If someone pulled out a gun near me and started shooting here in California, I don’t have much choice but to try to take cover and hope the police show up before he or she killed everyone,” Snarr said.
“If I were in a state that allowed concealed carry, I would definitely carry. And in that situation, I would probably try to take the shooter out myself.”
Nonetheless, opposition to the proliferation of guns in the US is growing.
The National Gun Victims Action Council (NGAC) is a strong advocate for stricter gun laws. Its website argues that, “American gun laws are based on maximizing sales for the gun industry, not public safety. As a result, our gun laws are not sane.”
The organization identifies seven areas in which gun policies should be more strictly enforced, including the availability of guns for suspected terrorists, the licensing and registration of guns, insurance for gun-related damage and specifying where guns should be allowed.
“Guns can be carried concealed in 49 states and openly in 43 states. Guns are not registered and gun owners are not licensed. Criminals and the mentally ill can purchase guns at gun shows where background checks are not required. Suspected terrorists on the No-Fly list can legally buy as many guns as they want. In many states guns can be carried into the everyday places where you live your life – restaurants, offices, bars, supermarkets, schools, libraries, sporting arenas.”
