The Freedom Of An Armed Society

Introduction

The recent shooting incident in Newtown, Connecticut at the Sandy Hook Elementary School shook the entire nation and the world to the core. Firmin Debrabander, in the article “The Freedom of an Armed Society” introduces another perspective of looking at the incident: the issue of gun rights. He notes that gun rights advocates may use this incident to press for elimination of restrictions to gun ownership. This is especially considering that, the shooting incident could have been prevented, or at least its magnitude reduced had the teachers and other members of public been allowed to have guns (Debrabander, 7). These organizations opine that individual gun ownership is the ultimate guarantee of America’s enduring liberty. Debrabander notes that this statement is fallacious as guns censure freedom of speech, which is fundamental to democracy. In addition, he challenges the statement by guns rights advocates that restrictions on gun ownership are indicators of despotism by the central government (Debrabander, 17). He states that the gun ownership results in a fragmented citizenry and extreme individualism.

Debrabander addresses a contentious issue in the American fabric. As much as there may be some advantages to reduced control of gun ownership, restrictions on the same are more advantageous. Restrictions would allow for background check of individuals applying for guns, thereby ensuring that the guns do not fall in the hands of criminals (Valdez, 23). On the same note, it would allow for a reduction in crime. Studies done in 2008 revealed that 67% of the 16,272 murders (10,886) committed in the U.S in 2008 were done using firearms (Valdez, 34). This is the same case for other crimes such as robbery, rape, aggravated assaults and sexual assaults (Valdez, 36). As much as other studies have proved that criminals may be deterred or cease to strike in instances where their victims have guns, it is imperative that their possession is restricted (Roleff, 23).

Works cited

Debrabander, Firmin. The Freedom of an Armed Society. The New York Times, 2012 web retrieved 20th December 2012 from HYPERLINK “http://opinionator.blogs.nytimes.com/2012/12/16/the-freedom-of-an-armed-society/” http://opinionator.blogs.nytimes.com/2012/12/16/the-freedom-of-an-armed-society/

Roleff, Tamara L. Gun Control: Opposing Viewpoints. San Diego, Calif: Greenhaven Press, 1997. Print.

Valdez, Angela. Gun Control. Philadelphia: Chelsea House Publishers, 2003. Print