Gun Control ?

The events in Connecticut will again raise the question of gun control in America - and again any positive response will be strangled by the National Rifle Association. ( NRA ).   The sticking points are the " right to bear arms " written into the American constitution - and the fact that the majority of Americans have an affinity for their guns, and once again the division of politics will draw a line on this issue.

Strangely, if America ever did attain gun control it would probably do nothing to prevent this type of mass shooting.   Restrictive gun laws apply in Australia, Britain, Germany and a host of other countries, but from time to time a deranged person goes on a killing spree - with guns that are legally licensed.    Some people will point the finger at recent events in Oslo - which has some of the strictest gun controls in the world.

Gun control in America would certainly reduce rage and spur of the moment killing events, but it is impossible to totally outlaw guns.   The military - the police - sporting people - all have a legitimate need to have guns and as we are seeing here in Australia - the criminal fraternity has no problem in smuggling firearms into this country.

The Newport killings were carried out with legally licensed guns.  Initial reports claimed that pistols were used but we now learn that most victims were killed by multiple wounds - from a rapid fire assault rifle. Some years ago an American president imposed restrictions on the sale and possession of such weapons, but that law was rescinded and now anyone with a clean police record is legally able to go into a gun shop and buy such an item.

America may have more luck passing legislation to restrict the sale of military grade weapons.  It is far easier to make a case for outlawing machine guns in public hands than preventing householders from keeping a pistol for home defence.   Unfortunately, the statistics prove that murders committed with machine guns are much less evident than those that involve cheap and easily concealed hand guns - but at least it would be a start.

At the moment, public opinion probably favours gun control, but once the panic subsides the NRA will skillfully make it's case for " responsible ownership of guns " - and that will coincide with some politicians pushing the " right to arms " barrow.   The logical way to decide the issue would be by a referendum - but that is unlikely.

Perhaps gun ownership in America is too widespread to ever be brought under control.   Owning a gun seems to be part of the American psyche and it is far easier to stop something from happening - than to turn back the clock and reduce what is seen as a basic right when that involves handing in something you cherish.

At this time, being an American seems synonymous with owning a gun.   It would be a brave leader who staked his presidency on altering that stance !