A recent epidemic of school shootings is dominating headlines nationwide and sending policy makers, parents, teachers, and other concerned citizens in to a tailspin. Our country's citizens are crying out for new policies, and attempting to change our constitution to outlaw the possession of all firearms will be outlawed. Both proponents and advocates of gun control policies have arguments based on legitimate concerns. .
Many U.S. citizens claim that the time has come to change our constitution in order to keep up with changing times. They believe that the increasing rate of crime and shootings is reason to amend the bill of rights. Opponents argue that "If it's not broke don't fix it". This old adage is certainly applicable to our country's founding proclamation of what we want, stand for, and should be able to "actualize" in our lives. Many countries have emulated our revolution and resulting form of government. But at this point in time our constitution is under siege. Well intentioned citizens are pleading for stricter gun control and ultimately want to refuse citizens the right to bear arms. .
Advocates claim that it is government's responsibility to protect us from things that threaten our life, even if it is ourselves. Advocates believe it is government's responsibility to outlaw guns because they threaten our life. Opponents of gun control claim that advocates can not see the forest for the trees. Our constitution has only been amended twenty-seven times. These were not ultimate changes, but evolutions to expand certain groups" rights. The Bill of Rights, women's right to vote and the abolition of slavery have only served to further the constitution's original premises. The only amendment that has failed was one that revoked an individual's right. Patrick Henry once said, "Is life so dear, or peace so sweet, as to be purchased at the price of chains and slavery? Forbid it, Almighty God! - I know not what course others may take; but as for me, give me liberty or give me death!" .
