Blog #9

         My stance on gun control is rather supporting both sides.  I agree with people only being allowed to carry handguns.  I don’t see the necessity in carrying a LG (Long Gun) such as a rifle or shotgun or any other large weapons, unless they are a hunter. People have the right to want their own self defense, but if someone is under attack and want to use a weapon as self defense, a person with trained skill with a firearm could fend for themselves with a handgun.  In my opinion, which will hopefully be taken into consideration, is that people should; be allowed to carry a handgun only, take a 9 month safety course to obtain a license and be over the age of 18 to carry a handgun, have no major health issues, and the people who possess the weapon must properly have it in safe custody while not in use and know how to properly use the weapon if needed.  This subject also is taken into national consideration, not just a state or local idea.

            Almost every state makes a driver gain initiate experience prior to obtaining a driver’s license, which is called a GDL (Graduated Driver License).  What this does is give the teenager an opportunity to drive before getting their license, allowing them to know what it’s really like to drive.  Some states, such as Illinois, require up to 50 hours of driving and you must hold on to the permit with 9 months.  Ever since the GDL program has been established, there have been more drivers that are giving a safe environment for the other drivers they see on the road.

            If the United States pursued the idea of a Firearm’s License that allows people 18 and older obtain a license with a 9-month course for the right to hold a handgun, then the U.S. will see fewer tragedies statistically.  Having a handgun is a privilege, just like driving is a privilege.  Just like people have to earn their right to obtain a driver’s license through the GDL program, people who take a firearm’s safety course will grant them to opportunity to hold a firearm.

            Following upon that, people must not have any major health problems that can cause them to misuse the firearm.  The owner must also know how to properly maintain the weapon.  According to http://www.minnpost.com/second-opinion/2012/12/health-risk-having-gun-home, death certificate data show that there were 680 deaths each year from 2003 to 2007 that were accidental and 46 suicides daily in that same time period.  Proper care must be taken into consideration.