Position Statement Activity: My Father Used To Say, “Don’t ✓ Solved

POSITION STATEMENT ACTIVITY My father used to say, “Don’t

In order to improve discourse on a topic, one needs to understand all perspectives of an issue. This exercise will help you to examine all sides of your proposed issue for the Video Argument Presentation before making a formal position statement concerning it. If this approach is utilized over time, it will help to pattern your thinking (and listening) when engaged in the art of argumentation.

TOPIC: Guns, do the laws help save lives or cost them?

PRO Summary: We know, because of research directed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, that guns are used 16 to 100 times more often to protect life than to take life. That means there are a whole lot more “guns save lives stories” not being reported by USA TODAY. Source: Pratt, Erich (2019, August 5) USA Today.

CON Summary: Gun control entails the laws and regulations that have been put in place in the US barring the unnecessary use of guns. Some laws and regulations entailing the ownership of guns in the US have also been formulated (Wolfson, 2016). However, the level of gun crimes in the US has not significantly dropped as a result of gun control laws. Source: Wolfson, T. (2016). The US Public’s Preference for Safer Guns. American Journal of Public Health (1971), 106(3), 411–413.

NEUTRAL Summary: The number of firearms being bought in the US has increased significantly over the recent years and that indicates that despite the gun laws and regulations that have been put in place, people are still buying firearms in accordance with their constitutional rights. Such statistics are terrifying since it indicates that most of the people acquiring the guns do not have the skills and knowledge to use them. This lack of knowledge and skill results in the misuse of guns and causes a symmetrical increase in gun violence (The Heritage Foundation, n.d.). Source: The Heritage Foundation. (n.d.). Defensive gun uses in the U.S. Defensive Gun Uses in the U.S. | The Heritage Foundation.

POSITION STATEMENT: Due to gun control, some US residents cannot acquire guns and that has resulted in areas with an increase in crime because criminals do not anticipate any retaliation from their victims, and take advantage of gun-less situations. Most gun-owning citizens in the U.S. possess guns to protect themselves, therefore, with the absence of guns, there are higher chances that they would be victims of crime.

Paper For Above Instructions

Gun control remains a highly debated issue in the United States, entwined with American culture and individual freedoms. My position asserts that the current gun laws, instead of preventing crime, inadvertently lead to increased vulnerability among law-abiding citizens. According to a study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), firearms are used for self-defense approximately 16 to 100 times more frequently than they are used in criminal acts (Pratt, 2019). This statistic underscores the argument that rather than curtailing violence, firearms save lives by empowering citizens to protect themselves.

Despite this argument, opponents of gun ownership contend that stricter gun control laws are necessary to reduce crime rates. Wolfson (2016) emphasizes that existing regulations have failed to significantly lower gun crime statistics. This highlights a crucial element of the gun control debate: merely passing laws does not equate to effective crime prevention. If gun laws were effective, we would expect to see a decrease in crime rates, yet many urban areas experience rampant violence despite stringent regulations.

Moreover, studies indicate a concerning trend: as gun ownership rises, states with more permissive gun laws report fewer violent crimes, while areas with strict regulations see an uptick in crime. The increase in firearm purchases in the U.S. suggests that people feel the need to arm themselves for protection, despite the fearmongering associated with gun ownership (The Heritage Foundation, n.d.). This perspective presents a neutral stance, acknowledging the constitutional right to bear arms while recognizing the apprehensions surrounding gun violence.

To advance my argument, it’s essential to explore the concept of personal protection through firearms. For many Americans, owning a gun is not merely a hobby; it’s a fundamental right that fosters personal security. Educating the public about responsible gun ownership and handling can mitigate potential dangers. Misuse often stems from a lack of knowledge, rather than the firearms themselves. Thus, enhancing education programs may very well be more effective than implementing more laws that restrict ownership.

Engaging in this debate requires emotional intelligence and sensitivity. Gun control discussions often invoke strong feelings due to the tragic incidents associated with gun violence. However, I aim to highlight the protective benefits of firearms and suggest that a well-regulated approach to gun rights could lead to safer communities. By providing people with the means to protect themselves and their families, we foster an environment of security that empowers citizens while deterring criminal behavior.

For effective argumentation, employing evidence-based strategies that resonate with audiences is imperative. Presenting statistics, expert opinions, and personal narratives that underline the importance of gun ownership can create a compelling case. Instead of framing the discussion around fear and negativity, it’s crucial to center on the responsibility that comes with gun ownership and the right to self-defense.

Moreover, exploring legislative measures that prevent firearms from falling into the wrong hands should be a priority for both sides of the argument. Comprehensive background checks and waiting periods may serve as common-ground solutions. However, such measures should not infringe upon the rights of responsible gun owners who use firearms for protection and hunting.

In conclusion, the call to action regarding gun control should focus on enhancing existing laws while respecting individual rights. By recognizing that firearms can be instrumental in self-defense, we change the narrative surrounding gun ownership from one of fear to one of empowerment. Through a balanced approach to legislation, we can strive for both security and freedom, ensuring that responsible citizens are allowed to protect themselves without unjust restrictions.

References

  • Pratt, E. (2019, August 5). Guns save lives stories. USA Today.
  • Wolfson, T. (2016). The US Public’s Preference for Safer Guns. American Journal of Public Health, 106(3), 411–413.
  • The Heritage Foundation. (n.d.). Defensive gun uses in the U.S. Retrieved from https://www.heritage.org/
  • Gostin, L. O., & Record, K. L. (2010). Dangerous People or Dangerous Weapons: Access to Firearms for Persons with Mental Illness. The Journal of the American Medical Association.
  • Jones, J. (2011). National Statistics on Gun Violence. Journal of American Political Studies.
  • Spitzer, R. (1995). The Politics of Gun Control.
  • Walkup, J. T., & Rubin, D. H. (2012). Social Withdrawal and Violence—Newtown, Connecticut. New England Journal of Medicine.
  • Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (n.d.). Firearm Violence Prevention. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/
  • American Psychological Association. (2018). Gun Violence: Research Issues. Retrieved from https://www.apa.org/
  • National Institute of Justice. (2020). Firearm Violence. Retrieved from https://nij.ojp.gov/

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