In light of the recent tragedy atSandy HookElementary School, (among other horrific shooting as of late), gun control has become a hot topic across the nation. President Obama has proposed 12 congressional actions and 23 executive actions that he feels will combat the issue of gun violence and control in theUnited States, which has led to nation-wide debate, Here are some opinions from your Cougar Chronicle editors:
“As a college student, I feel that gun control is not regulated enough. Though you need background checks to purchase a gun, I highly believe in the regulation of Mental Status Exams that should be required in the purchasing of a gun. I understand that this is a second Amendment right, to bear arms, but tell me, why must we need assault weapons? As someone who has had family members die at the bullet of guns wrongfully purchased, people need to realize the importance of life. How many people have to die for this country to realize the danger we put our children in without regulating gun control? I have a question for you America: would you rather have your “right to bear arms” or see your children reach their next birthday? It’s time to prioritize. I know guns don’t kill people. People kill people, but can you put a price on saving the life of even one person? Arguing that is selfish. People don’t realize the importance of safety until they’re burying their children six feet under. Why take the chance?”
– News Editor Melissa Martinez
“While creating emergency plans and paying officer salaries are worthwhile causes, the amount of money being spent for these reasons is far more than we can afford during a time of economic hardship. This sounds like another piece of legislature that gives tens of millions of dollars to people that are already doing their jobs and taking these precautions when this money could be better spent. While Obama can be applauded for taking action to prevent more tragedies like Sandy Hook, there should be a reevaluation of how much money needs to be spent and more of a focus on the other reasonable ideas that he has proposed. The foundation for legislation on gun control [background checks and bans on certain guns] makes sense, but the surplus amount of money being spent on police officers, gun control research, and safety plans seems to be a bit outrageous.”
– Features Editor Katlin Sweeney
“Guns have taken the fall for the terrible, horrific events that have taken place over the past few months, but I must say that (as it says in our Constitution) we have the right to bear arms. I don’t think that we need to have automatic guns on the market, because I do not see the logic in having that for hunting, but I do believe that for the sake of the safety of the American people every school, business facility, and home should have, and be trained how to use, a hand gun. You never know who just may be walking in the door. I also think that we should start having Mental Status Exams for every gun purchase. Though many of the criminals buy their guns in the Black Market this could possibly weed out any potential psychos. Oh and I know my brothers would not appreciate me saying this, but I think violent video games have a huge factor in these shootings, there need to be regulations on the video game market.”
– Opinion Editor Jessie Gambrell
“Guns have gone beyond the use of protection but now is a threat in society. Ever since school went on break, gun control has become a bigger problem then before. We can’t go anywhere now without being paranoid if another tragedy is going to strike. During the Newtown, Conn. shooting the press got the information of the shooting wrong, they just used any information they got and published it. It just goes to show that these random shootings are just a common story in the newspaper nowadays. It all starts at home, with everyone watching primetime shows where the characters use guns or random people being put behind the guns in violent video games.
– A&E Editor Juliana Stumpp