Should States Allow Citizens To Carry Concealed Weapons?
Yes. Concealed carry, while a heavily debated issue causes more improvement in society than harm. A 2008 study by Dr. Carlisle Moody, and Dr. Thomas Marvel found that “shall issue law is generally beneficial with respect to its overall long run effect on crime.” A prime example of Concealed Carry's beneficial effects is Florida’s murder rate, which dropped a whopping 36% between 1988, when the state’s concealed carry law was enacted and 2008, when the latest data was collected for the study. An argument commonly used against concealed carry is that there would be an increase in firearm related accidents. However a recent study showed amount firearm accidents that result in deaths or hospitalization is negligible, accounting for about .5% of all fatal accidents that had happened in 2007, and about .4% of all non-fatal hospitalizations in the same year. But if those numbers aren't enough for you, just ask one of the over 550 people who have been saved by concealed carry.
~Nick J. | No. At the heart of this debate is the second amendment. Although we Americans may like to have a clear interpretation of the constitution- legislators and politicians frequently decide the extent and meaning of the Constitution. How exactly does “the right to bear arms” apply to our lives?
American culture is filled with the influence of guns. Guns are everywhere; in the media, on TV, their presence also fills innumerable computer and video games frequented by the younger generation. Though in reality, most Americans have no first hand experience with guns. In fact, the majority of police officers have never taken part in a shooting.However, the belief that concealed carry should be adopted is a popular one. To obtain a license one must have a background check and be at least 21 years old. But, there are restrictions to eligibility; a felon is unable to obtain a license and anyone not guilty of committing of a felony on grounds of insanity, mental disease, or bad health is exempted also. Furthermore, there are prohibitions regarding where concealed carry applies; concealed carry is not permitted in wildlife refuges, state parks, schools, visitor centers, government offices/buildings, state universities, sporting events, and concerts. Yet with all the stipulations, the proposed increase in safety and the ability to self-defend makes many proponents of concealed carry. Consequently, with more access to guns, one has to worry about frightening possibilities, like increased crime or regrettable deaths. If more households obtain guns, children are exposed to them. Unexpected deaths may be caused due to unintentional episodes of rage or a gun landing into incapable hands. Public shootings in the United States and around the world illuminate the fears of any civilization. As in the tragic high school shooting cases in Germany and India, 163 lives were taken. For many proponents in large cities, concealed carry is logical. In the case a gun is pulled, the chance of death is increased. However in a less urban state, this is less of an issue, self-defense and protection become less of an argument, therefore Wisconsin should not adopt concealed carry. ~Amrit H. |