Gun Control Rights.

Essay by Beerman April 2003

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Gun control has evolved into a tremendous socio-political issue over the last three decades. Endless lobbying on the behalf of both proponents and opponents continues to take place within the hall of congress. The enduring question seems to be whether or not an Americans right to bear arms within the borders of the United States is guaranteed by the Second Amendment to the United States Constitution, or not. Also, within this controversy lies the question; if the right to bear arms is in fact guaranteed is the potential risk to law-abiding citizens worth ensuring this constitutional entitlement?

The arguments for and against national gun control are too numerous to count. Yet, the most significant and politically controversial issues seem to continually make their way to the forefront of the debate. At this forefront is the most recognized and active gun rights advocate group the world has ever seen, the NRA (National Rifle Association).

With a membership in the multiple thousands the NRA has become a force to be reckoned with. They fight for the rights of Americans each and everyday within the U.S. political system and out on the streets so that free citizens can look to their great constitution for factual reassurance of their written rights and liberties.

The Second Amendment to the Constitution of the United States of America reads; "A well-regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free state, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed." (Government in America) There are commas, as unassuming and innocent as they may seem, in this sentence and believe it or not these commas have been the basis for the majority of the constitutional debates regarding gun control. Gun control activists claim that this amendment ensures the right to keep and bear...