Guns in Hamilton

Gun violence is on the rise in Hamilton. This is a cause for concern, but instead of banning guns we should loosen regulations on them. After the Vegas shooting, Sarah Huckabee-Sanders said “I think if you look to Chicago, where you had over 4,000 victims of gun-related crimes last year, they have the strictest gun laws in the country. That certainly hasn’t helped there.” People think of firearms as weapons that are used to kill innocent people, but more commonly than not firearms are used for recreation or sport at shooting ranges.

When guns are not being used for recreation or sport they’re great selfdefense weapons. Since crimes committed with guns typically use illegal guns, criminals will still be able to get guns even if guns are not legally obtainable. Restricting or banning guns will take away the ability for law-abiding citizens to protect themselves, their families and their property from people looking to commit crimes. Three years ago, in the aftermath of a downtown Hamilton shooting, Mayor Fred Eisenberger said, “Is there a reason to have a gun in the home? I don’t think there is.” However, this statement undermines the fact that citizens should have the right to defend themselves. Maybe it’s time to try something new. Gun violence is on the rise in Hamilton and it shows no signs of stopping, so maybe we should change the ways we are handling it.