The How and Why of the Rekindling Gun Debate

Patrick Schmal, Writer

When it comes to the debate about guns many people think of the second amendment in the United States Constitution which proclaims, “A well regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed.” The United States Constitution written in 1787 with the second amendment added with the Bill of Rights in 1789 allows citizens of the United States to “bare arms” however over the 229 years weapons have changed and become more lethal as well as easier to obtain. Many destructive people have been able to obtain many militaristic weapons and have injured and killed 22 victims since the beginning of 2018.

Many companies/organizations have been lobbying causing congressmen and women to have easily influential stances on laws and debates. The lobbying of congressmen and women has caused many incidents and shootings to occur because of the National Rifle Association who have lobbied many people in congress in order to benefit themselves. Most of congress has allowed the legal age to purchase a rifle as a United States citizen to be 18 years old which has allowed many individuals to acquire weapons such as the the AR-15 which is one of the most common guns used in school/mass shootings.

Since the most recent shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida the debate on gun violence and gun laws has been heavily talked about by citizens in the United States and congress. Over the weeks the NRA has been looked down upon and has shown its extensive lobbying through congress in order to get its way and benefit itself. As more people and congressmen/women have been talking about the NRA and the gun debate many companies such as Metlife, Walmart, Delta Airlines, and United Airlines have cut their ties with the NRA causing the NRA to lose money for lobbying as well as fending for itself against the nation.