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Gun Laws in the U.S.

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Submitted By dan405
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“Gun Laws in the U.S.” “Guns don’t kill people, people do!” This slogan is used by many gun right advocates in America today. I couldn’t agree more! People kill people during the commission of crimes, in the heat of passion, or through a series of innocent, yet deadly mistakes. Gun right advocates continuously lobby the legislature into submitting bills that would allow John Q. Public to legally carry firearms onto college campuses. Firearm possession does nothing more than create a false sense of security to their owners. Nevertheless, gun right advocates believe they can make it safer and reduce crime by introducing firearms into the campus environment. This introduction is not only dangerous, but accidental discharges and other seemingly innocent misdeeds could cost you your life. First, “There’s no epidemic of campus violence,” said Jack Levin, director of the Brudnick Center on Conflict and Violence at Northeastern University in Boston (Cohen, 2007, p 1). “In fact, there are so few homicides on college campuses that you’re much safer there than you are in almost any other venue” (Cohen, 2007, p 1). Other experts agree that of all the places young adults spend their time, a college campus likely provides the largest safety net (Cohen, 2007, p 1). College campuses employ a multilayer approach into keeping campuses safe and free of crime. Communication is the key to keeping campuses safe. Most large universities use smart phone apps and emergency callboxes to quickly and effectively intake and disperse critical information. Campuses also employ video surveillance in most common areas, parking lots, and other strategic locations. Trained police personnel use technology as their eyes and ears, making it a force multiplier. Campuses have a long documented history of keeping students safe without resorting to citizens carrying firearms.

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