When you watch the evening news and hear about violence in your city, do you feel safe? Are you concerned for you and your family’s’ wellbeing? Are you worried the next time you hear of a school shooting, it might be at your child’s school? Do you keep your head on a swivel and leave space from the car in front of you at red lights? I constantly worry about these topics, because there is nothing more important than safety of the ones I love. Gun violence is at an all time high in the United States. Hundreds of people are dying or being injured everyday as a result of guns. In Chicago alone, nearly 10 people are victims to gun violence each day. There needs to be a change in the status que. Banning ownership of guns is not working, nor is simple policing. I believe, common sense gun control laws are a step in the right direction to ebbing the crisis. Keeping guns out of the hands of those that wish to do harm and allowing those who only wish to defend themselves. Through this essay, I would like to present the current state of our country, as far as the gun violence epidemic. I will then present a potential solution forward with sensical gun control, that focus on teaching and training the legal gun owners how to be responsible and accurate. Finally. I will discuss a way for us to make a change in the community.
The Current State of Our Nation
To understand the crisis of illegal gun ownership and violence related to guns, we must understand some of the numbers surrounding the issue. According to the Gun Violence Archive: Across the United States, there has been over 16,000 deaths already this year in the form of murders, homicides, or unintentional detach and over 32,000 injuries due to guns. In Chicago alone, the number of murders is nearing 540 for the year (CompStat). This does not include the gun related crime that does not result in a shooting, such as, armed robberies, carjacking's, etc. There has been nearly 2200 shooting incidents in Chicago this year, so far (CompStat). Through October, there has been a recovery of over 9000 illegal guns in Chicago (Masterson). As we can see, gun crime is real and very prevalent in today’s society.
Illinois, and Chicago in specific, has some of the strictest gun laws in the country, yet some of the highest crime rates. We do not reciprocate most state’s concealed carry laws, there is a new ban on “assault rifles” and high-capacity magazines. There is a plethora of limitations on personal character that do not allow the purchase or possession of guns. However, criminals do not follow mandated gun laws. They do not purchase their guns from a dealer and go through the necessary background checks and cool off periods. I had the pleasure of sitting down with a representative from a local outreach group a few weeks ago. During our conversation, I learned about the illegal guns on our streets and who is in possession of them. I was told, most of the violent criminals in possession did not purchase them legally. Most are convicted felons, but the worst news was children, some as young as the age of 10-12 years old are carrying and using guns. All of those stipulations are illegal under our currently legislation. There has been a recovery of 4 illegal guns per shooting in Chicago. That is the potential for detrimental amounts of violence. Illegal guns make policing very difficult because there is no one to trace the violence to. Also, when the laws in place are circumnavigated, felons and other who would not be allowed to purchase said weapons are capable to do so, outside eyes of the law. These illegal guns are usually purchased from someone who bought them legally in the first place to resell or stolen.
Another major issue in the debate of gun availability is the country is mass shootings. The United States typically defines a mass shooting as four or more persons killed by a gun in a single incident (Public Mass Shootings). There have been multiple of these incidents, not only in US history, but in world history. Some of the most notable incidents being Columbine, Sandy Hook, and Las Vegas. These are absolutely egregious events that should have never happened. A portion of the country’s immediate answer was to place a ban on guns. While this reaction is completely understandable, from that group’s point of view, it is not reasonable or even possible. What should happen, is to look deeper as to why these events happened. According to a study by the National Institute of Justice, “…nearly all persons who engage in mass shootings were in state of crisis in the days or weeks preceding the shooting” (Public Mass Shootings). The greater issue at stake, is the mental well-being of persons in our society. The guns used in these acts were just tools, their weapon of choice. Research shows the majority of people that commit mass shootings are actually suicidal. “Guns are the most successful method of killing oneself. So, one main reason people choose guns is they want to die. In about 30% of mass shootings, perpetrators kill themselves with their own gun; about 10% are suicide by cop. However, while guns are the most effective method of suicide, they’re not as effective at killing a large number of other people. Mass murder committed with means other than firearms, such as bombing, arson, vehicles, even stabbings, is about two and a half times more deadly than mass murder committed with firearms” (Is There a Link) says Dr. Girgis in a report about mass shooters. We need to work on the mental well being of people through accessible mental heath treatment and wellbeing. Unfortunately, some of these awful events could have been avoided, if the individuals received the help they needed before hand. Additionally, police presence in schools is a topic that needs to be discussed more. We need to ensure there is someone there with the training and wherewithal to stop a threat before tragedy presents itself.
Getting Buy-In from the Legal Gun Owners
Private gun ownership has been at the heart of the US since its conception. The controversy of private gun ownership dates back to the English Bill of Rights in 1689. During this time, there was concern of Protestants being persecuted, should a Catholic monarch ascend to the throne, therefore needing to arm themselves (Tilley). Now, coming across the Atlantic, the United States Marine Corps was founded during the Revolutionary War in 1775 and all men were required to provide their own weapons. Since the early days of monarchs and gun ownership, a weapon’s primary purpose was to feed and defend one’s family. With the onset of technology and traction of gun ownership as a hobby, shooting has also become a popular past time. Its cliché to mention it, but I will compare gun ownership to vehicle ownership. A vehicle is meant to move people around: buy groceries, safely get to school/work, and also many people use cars for hobby. In today’s society, guns are meant to protect oneself while getting to that destination and provide for hobby.
When it comes to gun control reform and the modification of laws, it is important to be accurate in the information that is presented to the public. Today, people in the gun ownership community hear a lot of vernaculars that are incorrect. It seems as if, politicians and media outlets are relaying names and information from things they have heard in movies. Currently about 45% of households in America own guns with roughly 400 million guns in circulation (Statista). If we want to change the laws and what these citizens can or cannot own, we need to get their buy in. If we cannot accurately discuss the weapons and accessories, we will struggle to have a meaningful conversation and ultimately their votes. Legal gun owners are some of the most key stakeholders in moving the bar of gun control. Most gun owners claim it is their second amendment right to own whatever they want, and gun control infringes upon their constitutional rights. While this argument holds some merit, what we have now is not working to its best ability.
Taking a Sensical Approach
My approach to gun control is not to let anyone have anything anytime they want. There needs to be some form of order and checks and balances. I feel, we have the best opportunity if we should take a proven model and treat gun control like possessing a driver’s license. There would be training and a tiered system for various levels/types of guns, just like a license. This allows for those checks and balances while still permitting ownership and usage.
Let us first look at how the driver’s license system works. Here in Illinois, typically a young, first-time driver starts their experience with a learner’s permit, where a knowledgeable, experienced driver must monitor them. This is followed by a standard class D license, allowing the driver to own and operate a typical commuter vehicle. If a person so desires, they can expand upon that class D license, to operate various types of vehicles. There is the Commercial Driver’s License (CDL), a motorcycle endorsement (M), even a separate track to get a racing license. All of these steps require professional training, written and demonstrational testing, and ultimately experience. All these requirements ensure the drivers know the ins and outs of the laws and the procedures to operating such a vehicle.
Now, convert the driver’s license approach to gun ownership. A learner’s permit allows the potential owner to use guns in a training environment, they are allowed to attend professionally instructed courses and participate in live fire events to gain knowledge on the operations and functions of basic level guns. All these things done under the care and supervision of a licensed, trained professional. After successful completion of guns 101, they gain their license, where they are allowed to own and use certain types of guns but limited to the training they have received thus far. After sufficient time and experience as a basic gun owner, there are options to advance ownership. For example: the next step may allow for concealed carry, rifle ownership, or a lager caliper weapon. Along with all the training, will come background checks and personality fitness checks as well as requalification’s. The military requires all members to requalify every single year with their service weapon(s). We should require something similar, where owners are required to take a refresher course, live fire events, and account for possession of purchased weapons. It is not feasible to require thousands of owners to do this every year, but biannually, or every five years, is not that drastic. The additional refresher allows for follow ups and rechecks of these individuals, in an to attempt to prevent recklessness before it begins. Additionally, this holds gun owners responsible for the safekeeping of the weapons. If they are no longer in possession of said gun, it needs to be reported and if a report is not filed and that gun is found to be related to a crime, the original owner could be held responsible.
There are similarities between this approach and the laws currently in place. In Illinois, in order to carry a concealed weapon, you do need to take a state approved course and compile the necessary paperwork. Also, for certain weapon attachments and styles, you need to get approval by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms (ATF). We also have red flag laws in place, to prevent felons and other unfit people from possessing guns. The major difference, with my approach is the banning of weapons, we would not have to ban certain weapons. An individual that has received the correct training may possess larger and, by today’s standards, “controversial” weapons. The thought process is that, if a person has demonstrated the correct training and experience they would be fit to possess these guns. As the notable phrase goes, knowledge is power. Increasing knowledge and familiarity greatens our chances of reducing negligence.
Making it a Reality
Now that there is an idea of how to move forward with a plan that will appeal to both sides of the argument, we need to enact it. In order to voice ideas for new laws, we must contact our local law makers. Write and call your area’s state representatives and congress people to put the ideas on their agenda and help gain traction with a way forward. This would need to make it all the way to the federal level to protect not only our city and state, but people across the country. When talking to your law makers, mention the new Illinois ban law HB5855, how the intent is good, however, it will not prevent those meaning to do harm. The Illinois weapons ban is only going to disarm law abiding citizens. In the meantime, there are numerous local groups, dedicated to stopping gun violence. There are dozens right in the Chicago area that advocate for criminals to put the guns down. Another way we can attempt to curb the violence is stop the glorification of violence in multimedia. Music and TV constantly portray violence as something to be admired and a get rich quick scheme. Now, I do not agree with censoring these types of platforms, however, we need to show the artists what their music is causing. Social media and outreach groups are ways of reaching celebrities, tag them, tweet them, and DM them, tell them about the violence in your area and how their music perpetuates the lifestyle. If our youth sees their favorite musician talking about killing people and holding guns in music videos, they will want to emulate that person.
Final Thoughts
Do I believe new gun control laws will stop gun violence or curb illegal gun sales? Absolutely not. However, do I think it could slow it down and still allow law abiding citizens to protect themselves? Yes, I do believe a new approach will be beneficial to society. We have an issue in our country, near our homes and our loved ones, where we may not feel safe. This is the most developed country in the world, but there is fear to go out at night or dive to work and school. The silent majority of law-abiding citizens that just want to feel peace and enjoy the benefits of living in the largest economy in global history. Yet, as I have demonstrated, criminals are not bound by the confines of the law. The victims are. The criminals do not care about you and me, they care only for greed, no matter who it effects. Something needs to change, innocent people are losing their lives and being injured everyday in our country. We should not have to live in fear. We need to take charge, take back control and do something about the violence. So, I call you to contact your local representatives, get involved with a local group promoting change and if you are a current or prospective gun owner, get the training.
“CompStat Week 45.” Chicago Police Department, home.chicagopolice.org/wp-content/uploads/1_PDFsam_CompStat-Public-2023-Week-45.pdf. Accessed 10 Nov. 2023.
“Gun Violence Archive.” Gun Violence Archive, www.gunviolencearchive.org/. Accessed 10 Nov. 2023.
“Is There a Link between Mental Health and Mass Shootings?” Columbia University Department of Psychiatry, 7 Dec. 2022, www.columbiapsychiatry.org/news/mass-shootings-and-mental-illness.
Masterson, Matt. “Shootings, Homicides in Chicago Continue to Decline through September: Police.” WTTW News, news.wttw.com/2023/10/04/shootings-homicides-chicago-continue-decline-through-september-police. Accessed 25 Oct. 2023.
“Public Mass Shootings: Database Amasses Details of a Half Century of U.S. Mass Shootings with Firearms, Generating Psychosocial Histories.” National Institute of Justice, nij.ojp.gov/topics/articles/public-mass-shootings-database-amasses-details-half-century-us-mass-shootings.
Published by Statista Research Department, and Jun 2. “Gun Ownership in the U.S. 1972-2022.” Statista, 2 June 2023, www.statista.com/statistics/249740/percentage-of-households-in-the-united-states-owning-a-firearm/.
Tilley, Rolf. “Locked and Eroded: The Right to Keep and Bear Arms in the Era of Trigger Lock Laws.” Jurimetrics: The Journal of Law, Science & Technology, vol. 61, no. 2, Winter 2021, pp. 267–87. EBSCOhost, search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&AuthType=ip,sso&db=a9h&AN=149977321&site=ehost-live&scope=site.