Political Discussion - Gun Control Pros and Cons:

not have had them.

Those who believe new laws for gun control are not the answer argue the following cons:

1. "Self-defense is a fundamental right," says the National Rifle Association's Institute for Legislative Action. The group points out that the right to bear arms for self-defense is protected in all states as well as the U.S. Constitution. Handgun restriction laws have been struck down by the U.S. Supreme Court.

2. Violent crime goes down when more people legally carry guns: Right-to-carry laws have been on the rise in the U.S. since the early 1990s. At the same time, violent crime rates have decreased. The number of privately owned guns has risen by about 100 million. According to the NRA, "Through 2010, the nation's murder rate has decreased 52 percent to a 47-year low, and the total violent crime rate has decreased 48 percent to a 37-year low."

3. Widely supported gun bans don't deter crime: The Federal Assault Weapons ban, signed by

President Bill Clinton in 1994, expired and has not had enough support to be renewed. The NRA argues that research shows "assault weapons," or those certain semi-automatic guns designated in the ban, "have never been used in more than a small percentage of firearm-related violent crime."

What do you think?

For each discussion you will need to make at least two entries. You need to offer your opinion based on the information and respond to another student's written responses. One sentence is not sufficient for both entries.