Is it possible that guns are the cause for all the violence and murders in America? Remember the tragedy that took place on December 14, 2012 at Sandy Hook Elementary in Newtown, Connecticut, when Adam Lanza opened fire and fatally shot twenty children and six adults. How about the event that took place just six months before that in a theater in Aurora, Colorado? On July 20, 2012, James Holmes open fired during a shooting scene in The Dark Night Rises. His actions killed 12 people and injured 58 others in the meantime. Saying guns are the cause of these shootings, is like saying that the planes that crashed into the World Trade Center on September 11, 2001, were the cause of all those deaths, and that the planes momentarily crippled our nation. Even though changes in gun laws are necessary; Limiting magazine capacity, conducting background checks and reinstating the Assault Rifle Ban will not directly affect gun violence in America.
Gun control controversies are not something that has just come about in the past few months. America has dealt with gun control issues for decades, as well as anti-gun groups that want to disarm America. In 2009 before Barack Obama got sworn into office for a second term, gun sales were on the rise around the country. Gun sales continued to rise mostly out of fear that once in office, Barack Obama would promote legislation to disarm the American citizens. In a news conference Mr. Obama stated, "Gun-owning Americans do not need to rush out and stock up before he is sworn in next month. I believe in common-sense gun safety laws, and I believe in the second amendment". (Hoar, 2009, para. 1) Mr. Obama also states, "Lawful gun owners have nothing to fear. I said that throughout the campaign. I have not indicated anything different during the transition. I think people can take me at my word. "(Hoar, 2009, Para. 1) Here in 2013, those lawful gun owners are just as afraid, if not more, than they were early on in 2009 and with good reason too.