The Second Amendment of the U.S. Constitution grants citizens the right to access firearms, which is necessary for people to keep true freedom in this country.
Despite the fact that my political beliefs are left-leaning, the Second Amendment is truly important in the fight against the rise of fascism.
Those who are subjugated to oppression, whether it be by the government or the current cultural shift, should have the right to arm themselves if they see fit. A well-armed populace is an authoritarian regime’s worst nightmare, and we, the people, will revolt against tyranny with these firearms.
Guns aren’t just weapons of warfare; some smaller handguns exist to protect our families or our communities, while other larger weapons may be used in recreational sports or hunting.
However, no matter how useful this tool may be, measures should be put in place to prevent guns from ending up in the wrong hands.
For one, there is no reason why someone should be able to buy a gun from Walmart. Guns should be regulated similarly to alcohol or weed in some states; they can only be sold in speciality stores, and the age limit should be raised to 21.
Unless the United States wants to lower the age of vices, enforcing an age minimum of 21 federally is a good compromise; we can’t trust 18-year-olds with access to recreational drugs such as alcohol or weed. Why should we trust them with firearms?
Similarly to how in Louisiana, an 18-year-old can be a bartender, an 18-year-old who has enlisted in the U.S. armed forces should still have access to their weapon. I believe they should be the exception and not the rule. This is because the enlistee is trained to operate the tool in its intended use.
Furthermore, if we are to have a right to bear arms, we should also have a right to equal access to education about firearms. How can we know how to use them if we aren’t taught? I would feel a lot more comfortable with firearms personally if I also knew that my armed neighbor was taught the best way to use the tool.
I think that if you are armed in this country, you should be required to take a course similar to driver’s education — but for guns.
This would entail showing videos of what can happen if a weapon isn’t kept up properly and instructions on how to clean and maintain the weapon. Ultimately, this certification would allow for more accountability if something goes awry.
An educated populace helps ensure the safety of everyone involved. In fact, I believe the school system should integrate a gun safety course during civics classes in high school. If we teach the population basic gun safety measures, the risk of accidents related to firearms can decrease.
The leading cause of death in children and teens in the U.S. are gun-related injuries. If we inform younger generations about guns, we can hopefully see this number decline.
Nevertheless, I’m glad that we have the Second Amendment. I genuinely think that an armed populace is the best way to prevent authoritarianism from taking over in this country.
However, I’m not blind to the problems gun ownership has. If we are to have the Second Amendment, we should limit where they can be sold along with an increased amount of education and licensing required before one can arm themselves.
Since guns are for personal protection, gun control laws existing would be for communal protection.
Andrew Sarhan is a freshman mass communication major from Baton Rouge, La.
