With the recent shooting in Orlando, it is apparent it is time to over haul gun control. Now, I have never shot an AR-15, but I do not understand the need for an assault rifle in civilian hands. By no means am I anti gun, but something needs to be done. This is one of those issues that spans many different areas and may require the government to spend more money to help decrease the problem. Unfortunately, they will probably raise taxes or cut funding to make up the difference. 

Mother Jones and The ACLU wrote an article about “no fly list”/terror watch list = being able to buy guns.  They also mention the failed legislation that was in response of the Orlando shooting.  I agree that if you are on a no fly list or watch list you should not be allowed to purchase a fire arm, especially an AR-15. Granite there will be the occasions where a wrongfully accuse person is/will be put on those lists.  Based on comments and reports I have seen it has taken the better part of 18-36 months to go through the red tape.  Now, I do feel sorry for people going through that but I would completely understand the red tape if I went through it all be it frustrating. There is something to be said for due process even of there are 20 John Smiths or Jane Does in a 10 mile radius. 

Switzerland feom Wikipedia gives an over view of how another county has a low crime rate.  This system creates a lot of paperwork and red tape. I am not going to lie, I rather enjoy being able to take a fun home 15-20 minutes after I fill out paperwork.  But in all reality, who does not like imidiate gratification.  Maybe that’s the problem; maybe Americans need to learn to be patient and get our ducks in a row before we can go duck hunting. I for one would feel better knowing that everyone is being checked out closely.   To transfer a firearm person to person you have to have strict paper work.  In the United States not so much.

Maybe part of the reason is there to many people profiting off the gun violence. WIBW interviewed staff at a local gun shop in Topeka, Ks. The gunshops are not to blame for selling the guns. The United States is a capitalist country, however, when there is mass shooting, there is a big rush to buy guns and ammo. Usually, out of fear that there will be a shortage or a ban on certain items.  That makes sense. But how often do you see a spike like that after a drunk driving accident or a high speed chase for cars.  Maybe the bigger issue is that gun lobbyist are fear mongering and causing histaria that their guns will be taken away. None of which has ever been said or proven. Only people wanting to cause histaria have claimed that person xyz will take their guns and civil liberties. But for people that actually read the Constituition know that gun owners are protected under the second amendment.  The interpretation of the amendment and finger pointing will be saved for another day.

Maybe, like Switzerland, The United States needs to employment a license to purchase a fire arm. I know that would be popular, but if you need one to opporate a car, why not a weapon? Cars are not meant to kill, but they do. Guns are meant to kill. 

When you buy a car they usually want proof of insurance and a photo I.D. Why does it seem easier to buy a gun than a car? Maybe what we need is expanded background checks. What that will consist of I do not know.  From what I have seen the Orlando shooter did not have a criminal record beyond being investigated and he did not have a history of mental illness. Mental health should be expanded on the background checks but it could take time to check close enough for a persons mental health. Then the question is where do draw the line on saftey and mental health. Many people with mental illness go untreated or keep it to themselves. Adding stricter back ground checks for people on the no fly list, being investigated and mental health may be a start but people still will fall through the cracks.