10 Apr Link for the article
Gun Laws
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Gun Laws
Gun control laws have been a contentious issue in the United States with people opposing and proposing increased gun control in equal measure. Although many people believe that weak gun laws in the United States are responsible for the frequent mass shootings in the country, a significant number also believes that the right to own a rifle is enshrined in the constitution and should be protected by all means.
Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick of Texas shocked many people when he supported the expansion of the background checks carried out by the state on gun owners or potential gun owners. His sentiments went against those of the National Rifle Association, which supports gun ownership and is against the expanded background checks on gun owners (Vigdor, 2019). Mr. Patrick’s decision to support expanded background checks came after a series of gun violence in Texas, which resulted in the loss of many lives. His sentiments came barely a week after a gunman attacked motorists near Odessa, Texas and killed seven people with an assault-style rifle that he acquired from a private seller despite failing background checks in 2014 (Vigdor, 2019). Another incident involved the killing of 22 people at a Walmart store in ElPaso in which the gunman targeted Hispanics.
Since the gun culture is heavily entrenched in Texas, Mr. Patrick might face backlash due to his stance. However, he made it clear that he is ready to suffer the consequences as long as the number of people who are victims of gun violence is reduced.
From the article, Mr. Patrick’s stance is understandable following the mass shooting incidences in the state. While the right to own guns cannot be withdrawn by the government, various precautions such as comprehensive background checks should be carried out.
References
Vigdor, N. (2019 September, 6). Defying N.R.S., Texas Lieutenant Governor Favors Background Checks on Private Gun Sales. The New York Times, Retrieved from https://www.nytimes.com/2019/09/06/us/dan-patrick-texas-nra.html
