The issue of guns in America is often not discussed as openly and fervently as other social issues, such as abortion rights. While the public debate on abortion has led to shifts in politicians’ stances due to changing public opinion, the conversation around guns seems to be stuck in a stalemate. Politicians like Arizona’s Kari Lake have experienced a shift in their stance on abortion rights in response to public sentiment, but when it comes to guns, the debate remains largely unchanged. Former President Donald Trump continues to advocate for gun rights and recently made promises to protect gun owners and manufacturers from President Biden’s policies.
Mass shootings continue to occur in the United States, with 119 mass shootings recorded so far in the year according to the Gun Violence Archive. These tragic incidents often disrupt people’s daily lives, such as a recent shooting outside a New Orleans nightclub that left 12 people injured. Despite the frequency of these events, there is no clear consensus on gun regulation, and politicians are divided on the issue, with some advocating for gun rights while acknowledging the need for safety measures.
The idea of making abortion a state issue has been suggested as a way to avoid discussing the topic at a national level. However, with guns, the issue is much more complicated due to the ease of weapons crossing state lines and the varying regulations in different states. State legislatures have made questionable decisions regarding gun safety, such as a bill in Tennessee allowing teachers to carry concealed guns to work following a school shooting in Nashville. The lack of universal gun regulation raises concerns about potential dangers for the public.
There have been some positive developments in gun safety legislation, such as the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act passed in 2022. This landmark bill aims to prevent misdemeanor offenders from purchasing guns for five years after their release from prison and enhances background checks for gun buyers under 21. While progress has been made in some areas, loopholes in gun sales and the influence of the gun lobby continue to pose challenges in achieving comprehensive gun safety measures.
Senator Chris Murphy, a leader behind the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act, believes that recent efforts to address gun safety have been prompted by tragic events like school shootings and changing public attitudes. The Supreme Court’s decision to overturn Roe v. Wade and a school shooting in Uvalde, Texas, have reignited discussions around both abortion rights and gun safety. While strides have been made in addressing these issues, there is still work to be done in preventing irresponsible individuals from obtaining firearms through illegal means. The persistence of the gun lobby and the lack of a unified approach to gun regulation continue to be obstacles in achieving meaningful change in gun safety policies.
