Those in agreement with strict gun control laws argue that guns are too easy to purchase. One can purchase a firearm at a gun show relative easily. The Bureau of alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives reports that 30 percent of guns involved in federal illegal gun trafficking investigations are connected to gun shows (Project of the City of New York. Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg. Copyright 2009). It also a fact that guns kills, especially children. Every day, eight American children and teenagers die from gun violence. More than 29,000 people are killed by guns in the U.S. each year. One major reason for these deaths is easy access to guns (Marian Wright Edelman President, Children's Defense Fund). These are very good reasons for stricter gun control laws; however, there are arguments that support the other side of this argument. Data show that the areas of our country with the most draconian restrictions on firearms have the highest levels of crime. Criminals, by definition, break the law. Excessive firearm laws only restrict the rights of law-abiding citizens (New York Times upfront Magazine —U.S. Senator Larry Craig Republican of Idaho). Gun control laws are written to protect the innocent and the law abiding citizen, stricter laws may prove to hurt the very citizens it is designed to protect. We are fortunate to live in a country who’s Founders valued this critical right enough to protect it. They were able to bear arms and defeat tyranny. In the end, that's what this right is about (New York Times upfront Magazine —U.S. Senator Larry Craig Republican of Idaho).
