Gun Violence Scientific Study.

Can gun violence be scientifically studied? 
This blog post will reflect the peer reviewed journal entry, "Gun violence prevention" by Ted Alcorn and Scott Burris. 
In the journal, the authors discuss the current state of gun laws in the United States and how to conduct a study to determine the actual factors of gun violence rather than people with opposing views ripping each others' throats out over personal beliefs. The authors discuss a variety of studies and the legitimacy of common beliefs. One section that stood out and caught my attention was the author's view on gun laws as a whole when he writes, "There is an emerging consensus that certain gun laws reduce gun violence, particularly those requiring all gun buyers to first pass background checks, and those barring domestic abusers from possessing guns. But we have much to learn about how those laws work, and how they can work better." The author also explains his thoughts behind the importance of conducting an actual scientific study when he writes "Legal data used for scientific evaluation should be created by a reliable procedure disclosed to users, and should capture variation across jurisdictions in the operative provisions of the law" 
Although I remain on the pro-gun side of these issues, in my personal opinion, if a study can be conducted and potentially save lives, by all means it should be conducted. 

Alcorn, Ted, and Scott Burris. “Gun Violence Prevention.” ProQuest, 16 July 2016, search-proquest-com.aurarialibrary.idm.oclc.org/docview/1805442464?pq-origsite=summon-Vol. 388 (10041). 
. 

Bump Stocks Since Las Vegas Shooting

What is a bump stock, how is it used, and should it be legal?

As noted in previous blog posts, I am a pro-gun rights activist and I believe firmly in the personal protection of the rights of individuals. That being said, I am not an irrational person so gun laws are always up for debate. The debate on whether or not bump stocks for assault rifles should be legal has gained support by even the most avid of gun supporters. Let's start with some factual information. A bump stock is a modification to a semi-automatic weapon to essentially turn it into an automatic weapon without changing the inside parts or firing pin of the rifle. A bump stock is a modification to the stock (shoulder piece) of the rifle to allow it to slide back and forth. Attached to the sliding mechanism is a flat plastic piece alongside the trigger which allows for the recoil of the rifle to push the shooter's finger against the trigger after every round fired creating a fully automatic, machine gun affect. It is an incredibly simple design but has gained substantial attention due to the fact that the Las Vegas shooter used bump stocks on the weapons of which he used to kill 58 people and injure many others at a concert in early October of 2017. According to the NRA (National Rifle Association), advocates agree that  "devices designed to allow semi-automatic rifles to function like fully-automatic rifles should be subject to additional regulations."(The Fly. (Oct. 5, 2017). The NRA is an organization that is known for their support of the second amendment. Seeing as though they are pushing for regulations on bump stocks is an indicator that the modification is a truly unnecessary component which poses a danger to others due to the fact that they make the firearm inaccurate and difficult to control. 
From my point of view, bump stocks are completely unnecessary and should be heavily regulated in the United States. Since the Las Vegas shooting, efforts to regulate bump stocks have been enacted but have since stalled. (NPR news Oct. 26, 2017)

Link: How Bump Stocks Work

"NRA calls for additional regulations on bump stocks." The Fly, 5 Oct. 2017. General OneFile, aurarialibrary.idm.oclc.org/login?url=http://go.galegroup.com/ps/i.do?p=ITOF&sw=w&u=auraria_main&v=2.1&id=GALE%7CA508144909&it=r&asid=378300ffb806825ba0afe97a0c9e66b8. Accessed 1 Nov. 2017.

Bennett, Geoff. “What Happened To The Move To Ban Bump Stocks?” NPR, National Public Radio, 26 Oct. 2017, www.npr.org/2017/10/26/560276707/what-happened-to-the-move-to-ban-bump-stocks.

Assault Weapons Ban

The banning of Assault Weapons. Is it necessary? Will it make America a safer place? In my opinion, absolutely not. As I see it, it is nobody's business to tell another person what they can and cannot have in their household, especially when told by the uninformed. Assault weapons are used by sportsmen and responsible, law abiding citizens who practice home defense. Unfortunately, criminals can also get their hands on an assault weapon through illegal means. Assault weapons are not committing crimes, people with bad intentions are committing crimes. Every weapon is lethal but it becomes dangerously lethal in the hands of a criminal who has no problem breaking the law. Let's take a closer look at the actual statistics pertaining to assault weapons. According to Mark Gius in his peer reviewed journal publication, "The impact of state and federal assault weapons bans on public mass shootings" Gius explains in his journal that there have been multiple bans on assault weapons in the United States which have expired since. A mass shooting by definition is an attack involving a firearm which results in the death of four or more people. Contrary to popular belief, the primary weapon used in mass shootings are concealable handguns. According to Gius and Senior Legislative Attorney, Janet L. Kaminski Leduc, assault rifles were used in only 8.25% of all mass shootings whereas handguns were used in a whopping 32.99% of all mass shootings. Other weapons such as hunting rifles, shotguns, and other weapons make up the remaining percentage. But of course, which gun looks scarier? (Picture below)

On top: Semi Automatic Handgun
On Bottom: AR-15 (Assault Rifle)

Many assault weapons ban activists will argue that the ownership of a weapon that has the ability to kill multiple people at a quick rate is unnecessary and dangerous so therefore should be deemed illegal. However, the primary weapons used in mass shootings were handguns. Are these activists genuinely trying to make America safer or are they simply uninformed and intimidated by the way an AR-15 looks?





Citation:

Gius, Mark. “The Impact of State and Federal Assault Weapons Bans on Public Mass Shootings.” Applied Economics Letters, vol. 22, no. 4, 2014, pp. 281–284., doi:10.1080/13504851.2014.939367.

Janet L. KaminskiLeduc, Senior Legislative Attorney. “WEAPONS USED IN MASS SHOOTINGS.” WEAPONS USED IN MASS SHOOTINGS, OLR Research Report, 18 Jan. 2013, www.cga.ct.gov/2013/rpt/2013-R-0057.htm.

What Defines Patriotism?

Who can call themselves a patriot? America today is full of all sorts of views and topics of discussion. As Americans, it is common to define ourselves through the political party in which we most commonly relate to. When it comes to politics, we tear each other down with harsh remarks, opposing views, insults, etc... We do this because we all have different preferences on what we would consider ideal America. Since we live in a highly diverse country, we are constantly surrounded by individuals who each view the world from a different set of eyes.

What is an "Assault Rifle"

Assault rifles are a growing concern in the U.S. Nearly every day walking around my college campus, a group of students are infuriated about how assault weapons are still legal for citizens to own. However, when asked what an assault rifle is, most students fail to come up with a solid answer. 

According to a local Los Angeles news station (KTBS ABC Shreveport, LA.), an assault rifle is defined as a civilian owned, military style rifle with a telescoping stock for close quarters, a pistol hand grip, a flash suppressor, typically semi-automatic capable, can hold over 10 rounds and has a bayonet mount. Assault rifles typically have a matte black finish and can be fired quickly with each pull of the trigger. Below is a description of a rifle that is considered an assault rifle. 

The United States congress considers an "Assault Weapon" any rifle that contains at least two of the features listed above. Should these rifles be banned from the American public or is it a constitutional right to own one? 

Citation:

Cengage Broadcast. “What IS an Assault Rifle?” What IS an Assault Rifle?, KTBS ABC Shreveport, LA, 23 Jan. 2013, www.clipsyndicate.com/video/playlist/10833/3913542?cpt=8&title=cengage_broadcast&wpid=6424.

Current Firearm Regulations in the United States.

Although the United States takes the lead for the highest amount of guns per household, there are still regulations and limits on firearms which every typical U.S. citizen is required by law to stay within the limits.

These regulations are NOT universal in the U.S. because laws vary by state. We will discuss the firearm laws that are effective nationwide as well as state firearm regulations (Specifically pertaining to Colorado). Nationwide gun laws are difficult to determine due to the fact that individual gun laws are primarily determined by state legislation. However, there are some important rules and regulations that all responsible gun owners should abide by in order to remain on the good side of the law. 

Important Nationwide Firearm Laws:  (2015 ATF Federal Firearms Regulations Reference Guide)

1.) Interstate Transportation: If the type of firearm is considered lawful to own by the state, a lawful gun owner shall be permitted to transport the legally owned firearm to any other state that also permits the firearm. Neither the firearm nor ammunition shall be readily accessible or directly accessible from the passenger compartment. (926A Interstate transportation of firearms) 

2.) Importation of Foreign Firearms: It is unlawful for any person other than a licensed importer, licensed dealer, or licensed manufacturer, to engage in the business of importing, dealing, or manufacturing firearms or in the course of such business to ship, transport, or receive any firearm in interstate or foreign commerce. (922 Unlawful acts.) 

3.) Possession of Firearms and Dangerous Weapons in Federal Facilities: whoever knowingly possesses or causes to be present a firearm or other dangerous weapon in a Federal facility (other than a Federal court facility), or attempts to do so, shall be fined under this title or imprisoned not more than 1 year, or both. (922 Unlawful acts.) 

Important State Firearm Permissions and Exclusions (Colorado Specific): (ATF State Laws and Published Ordinances - Firearms (32nd Edition))

1.) Basic State Firearm Definition

- "Firearms" means a pistol, revolver, or other weapon of any description, loaded or unloaded, from which any shot, bullet, or other missile can be discharged, the length of the barrel of which, not including any revolving, detachable, or magazine breech, does not exceed 12 inches

2.) Background Checks: 

- Before a gun show vendor transfers or attempts to transfer a firearm at a gun show, he or she shall require a background check 

- The transferee must obtain approval of a transfer from the Colorado Bureau of Investigation after a background check has been requested by a licensed gun dealer

3.) Possession of a Dangerous or Illegal Weapon:

- The term "dangerous weapon" means a firearm silencer, machine gun, short shotgun, short rifle, or ballistic knife.

- A person who knowingly possesses a dangerous weapon commits a class 5 felony

- The term "illegal weapon" means a blackjack, gas gun, metallic knuckles, gravity knife, or switchblade knife.

- A person who knowingly possesses an illegal weapon commits a class 1 misdemeanor. 

4.) Unlawfully carrying a concealed weapon:

- A person commits a class 2 misdemeanor if such person knowingly and unlawfully carries a firearm concealed on or about his or her person or carries a firearm into a federal building without legal authority. 

- A person commits a class 6 felony if such person knowingly and unlawfully and without legal authority carries, brings, or has in such person's possession a deadly weapon in or on the premises of any public or private elementary, middle, junior high, high, or vocational school or any public or private college, university, or seminary

There are many other rules and regulations pertaining to federal and state gun laws. I found these specific laws above to be highly important and useful for anyone who has an interest in either buying or concealing a weapon. This short list of laws listed above are important to understand in order to remain a law abiding, responsible gun owner. 

Sources:

United States, Congress, U.S. Department of Justice (Office of Director), and Director Todd Jones. “ATF Publication 5300.4.” ATF Publication 5300.4, Enforcement Programs and Services, Sept. 2014 www.atf.gov/firearms/docs/guide/firearmsstatutesandcodes-coloradopdf/download.

United States, Congress, Office of the Attorney General. “Colorado Revised Statutes.”Colorado Revised Statutes, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, 2016. www.atf.gov/firearms/docs/guide/firearmsstatutesandcodes-coloradopdf/download.

Anthony's Opinion on Gun Control

Research on Gun Control.

I believe guns should be allowed to the public if one has done the proper training and has been through extensive background checks. I think the laws should tighten up a bit, but eliminating the public to have weapons can cause people to feel “defenseless”. There have been a lot of shootings and messed up events happening within the world today and to me, having a weapon on my hip will make me feel 100% more comfortable. I think America is too loose with gun control and should take more precautions when administering guns to the public. They should look into EVERYTHING, I mean family history, medical history, medications the person is taking, criminal record, annual income. I think even taking placement tests to see if the user is in a healthy state of mind to get the weapon would make things even more safe in the public. There a lot of people who think gun control is too loose and I agree but some also think guns shouldn’t be aloud to the public because of all these shootings that have happened. I think taking away guns can cause other things to happen within society such as bombs, armored cars, and even pathogenic viruses that can wipe out thousands of innocent people. I believe bump stocks should be banned because it’s a way to make rifles automatic...it can cause a semi-auto rifle to fire like a full automatic weapon. The shooter in Las Vegas had bump stocks which is why in videos it sounds like an automatic weapon. There are tons of different stances on this issue but mine is to tighten up gun laws to make them harder to get so that not some random dude can go in and buy a shotgun or a high powered rifle.