Gun legalization benefits and disadvantages in the USA Introduction
The question on whether violence and crime could be tackled effectively and consequently minimized by ultimately legalizing guns in the United States has remained a hard nut to crack over the past decade. On the other hand, ardent debate has been going on getting the guns off the streets. There are valid points on both sides of the issue where legalizing of guns will have benefits as well as disadvantages to the American society. In states where legalization of guns has been effected, citizens have realized numerous benefits. However, the legalization of guns has not been without disadvantages because when the guns find their way into the hands of gangs and children owing to the availability, high rates of crime and deaths are witnessed. Therefore, gun legalization in United States is an issue which has come to the forefront and should be accorded all attention bearing in mind the benefits as well as the disadvantages (Blek 121). Cook, Molliconi and Cole (60) state that guns are weapons that can be used to mitigate crime or violence but can be used to perpetuate violence and crime. It is true that guns do not do the real shooting: people do the shooting. It is the person who possesses the gun and the intent to do harm that we should be worried about. The pride of a person with a gun can actually make him or her to impose his or her will upon other people. This aspect is what puts the legalization of guns in jeopardy because when guns are in the wrong hands, crime and violence sets in. On the other hand, guns that have been acquired legally for instance 40% ownership in every household and that are in responsible hands can lead to 60% reduction in crime. This is due to the reason that criminals are not oblivious to the fact that their potential victims may be armed and may pose resistance that