Debatable Topics

The Debatable Topics column is run by Riley Barta. This column is used to talk about both sides of an argument in a fact-first light, and encourages readers to make their own judgements of these topics.

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This column will talk about serious subjects that can galvanize large amounts of people. As such, this column does not promote any violence or aggression surrounding topics discussed. This column’s goal is to promote healthy discussions around pressing issues. All opinions disclosed to the column from polls will be kept anonymous when used in future articles. Additionally, none of the opinions discussed in these articles represent what the author, or The Scroll, believes.

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Should people be allowed to conceal guns in public without a permit?

By Riley Barta

Gun control is a heavily debated topic in the US. Some say that the dangers guns present to the public are too much. Others say that, due to the second amendment, guns should stay accessible. Florida recently passed a new law concerning gun control that has sparked controversy. Should people be allowed to conceal guns in public without a permit?

Florida Governor, Ron Desantis, recently signed a bill to allow residents to conceal guns in public without a permit. This law will go into effect on July 1, 2023. According to Desantis, “Constitutional Carry is in the books.” Constitutional Carry means that a state allows citizens, who can legally own a gun, to have those guns on them in public spaces (openly or concealed). Constitutional Carry is not Permitless Carry. Permitless Carry means no permits are required outside of legally owning a gun, whereas Constitutional Carry can still require qualifications for certain actions with a gun. For example, in Tennessee, one must have no DUIs in the last ten years to legally carry a gun. By definition, Florida’s new law is passing Permitless Carry.

Governor Ron DesantisImage credits Liberty University

ARGUMENTS FOr Permitless Carry

The 80-year-old store owner that defended his store from a robberImage credits New York Post

Many people for concealed carrying bring up the fact that people have to go through paperwork to own a gun. The Permit to Purchase is different for every state. According to the official website for the state of Oregon, “A person must apply for and be issued a Permit to Purchase…from the Police Chief or County Sheriff with jurisdiction over the residence of the person making the application.” In Oregon, the permit to own a gun is obtained much like the permit to drive. Many agree that, if someone has had to go through the work of obtaining a gun license, then they should be able to carry in public (concealed or otherwise). According to an anonymous GPHS student, “Having a permit means you've already gone through a process of making sure you’re held accountable for things related to this.” Furthermore, many argue for the safety that guns can bring to their owner. This can be seen in a case that happened in 2022. A robber broke into a convenience store carrying a rifle. The 80-year-old store owner grabbed his own gun and shot at the robber. According to Riverside Sheriff's Department, “A lawfully armed member of our community prevented a violent crime and ensured their own safety.” If the store owner did not have a gun, then something tragic could have happened. Conceal carry should be given to those who have done the proper licensing for a permit, and can keep the general public safe.

Arguments Against Permitless Carry

Several are concerned about how this would affect the safety of other people. According to an anonymous student at GPHS, “Concealed carry can be dangerous as certain people abuse the power of holding a gun. Additionally, it makes it harder for figures of authority to assess the severity of a situation when weapons are not visible.” If everyone has a gun in public, then it could make finding a shooter difficult for officials. Another argument against concealed carry concerns whether or not someone has the proper training to wield a gun in public. In Oregon, the Permit to Carry concerns one's criminal record and ability to follow gun laws. However, it does not include or require training for gun usage. Some people may not know how to carry a concealed weapon in public safely. There are also concerns about crime rates going up. According to Harvard, “We found that states with higher levels of household gun ownership had higher rates of firearm homicide and overall homicide.” They later concluded that, as gun laws go down, crime rates go up. More so, countries that have higher gun restrictions have fewer gun-related crimes. Conceal carry is dangerous to both the owner and the public, and gun laws should be restrictive.

A poll given to Ms. Mathews classes on whether or not one should conceal carry without a permitBy Author

What do you think? Is Florida’s new law in good taste? What laws concerning guns would you push? The fight around guns is intense, but seeing what the other side thinks can be beneficial. Gun law can be explored in a lot more depth-- especially when concerning the second amendment. Should gun rights remain in the Constitution? Arguments can be made for nearly everything, but gun control makes an interesting topic.

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