The issue of gun control is global in today's society, but since it is most controversial in the United States with the continuous mass shootings and terrorist attacks. There is no question that something needs to be done; a firm stance must be made to assure the safety of the public. The Second Amendment, in the Bill of Rights, grants citizens the right to bear arms. But as citizens with the right to bear arms, it becomes more of a privilege as it can be revoked in instances such as convicted felons and the mentally ill. As a young man who is and will be affected by laws passed concerning gun control, I want to live in a society where I am able to purchase, own, and carry firearms for recreational purposes as well as self-defense. From growing up in the South around firearms for hunting and recreational purposes, with law enforcement influences, and becoming a shooting instructor, the Second Amendment has been a part of my entire life and my culture. The right to bear arms is a privilege to citizens, not an entitlement. As a result of many mass shootings and terrorist attacks, many want to jump to conclusions and claim that if assault weapons or all firearms were banned to the public, those kinds of situations would be nonexistent. But instead of attacking the surface level issue, seek the source and its leading factors, direct attention to where it is due and ask how and why it was able to happen then target requirements for those to purchase, own, and carry firearms. As active hunters, recreational shooters, shooting instructors, and people who associate themselves with firearms begin to receive poor reputations because of tragic incidents. As the awareness and severity of shootings and attacks increase, we must target laws and regulations, giving citizens the privilege to continue to bear arms and preserve the Second Amendment, and not the entitlement to firearms. 

As seen throughout the course of American history, there has been a continual overhaul on federal gun laws. As tragic instances of shootings and attacks continue to occur, the public seeks answers, and then demands change in order to prevent tragedy from striking again. Incidents of mass shootings such as the one seen in Charleston, South Carolina bring the topic of gun control to the surface of public debate. Citizens ask questions such as how and why someone could do something so inhumane. On June 17, 2015 a man named of Dylann Roof sat in on a Bible study at the historic Emmanuel African American Methodist Episcopal Church. He later opened fire, shot, and killed nine people within the church. With hope to start a racial war, Roof said, "[African Americans] are taking over the country ... I have to do what I have to do," (Ellis). Roof fled the scene, leaving an elderly member of the church as a "survivor because [he was] going to kill [himself]" (Ellis). The suspect was later arrested in Shelby, North Carolina armed with a gun and the possession of an unlabeled pill bottle with the drug suboxone. "Suboxone is the brand name of a narcotic that's considered milder than other drugs in its class, such as oxycontin, heroin and vicodin" (Seidman). In studies by doctors and researchers in the field of addiction, it is said to be a helpful tool in fighting opiate and painkiller addictions without the need to send patients to methadone clinics. According to The National Alliance of Advocates of Buprenorphine Treatment, "in addicts, opioids can cause unpredictable mood swings, manipulative behaviors, lying, and an inability to meet responsibilities," (Seidman). One may ask how can someone known as drug addict could be able to purchase and own a firearm? Prior to Roof purchasing a .45 caliber pistol for his 21st birthday, there was no record of any arrests or committed felonies, allowing Roof to own a firearm. This is where the background check system begins to flaw; there must be knowledge of important medical information and conditions that would cause regarding citizens to have their privilege of the Second Amendment to be revoked. This also leads into the important stress of the assistance and aid to the mentally ill, with the priority of seeking treatment. 

As a result of the Charleston and many other shootings, President Barack Obama came out on January 4, 2016 with new executive actions in order to reduce gun violence and make communities safer. The main goals of this new executive order is to; keep guns out of the wrong hands through background checks, make communities safer from gun violence, increase mental health treatment and report to the background check system, and to shape the future of gun safety technology. In order to keep guns out of the wrong hands, the background check system must be made more efficient and effective. In doing this, it is clarified that businesses selling firearms must be licensed and conduct background checks. This also includes background checks for those trying to purchase through a trust or a corporation. By improving the background check system, states must provide records and work cooperatively with jurisdictions to improve reporting. To advance safety within communities, governments must ensure smart and effective enforcement of laws; they must eliminate any loopholes or bypasses of the system. Also, within communities, firearm dealers must notify officials and law enforcement representatives about any theft or loss of guns or merchandise. Additionally the urge to push every, "U.S. Attorney's Office to renew domestic violence outreach efforts ...  to help provide additional resources to state, local, and tribal law enforcement," (New Executive Actions to Reduce Gun Violence and Make Our Communities Safer). Conjointly, there must be a significant increase in resources within mental health care, "despite recent gains, less than half of children and adults with diagnosable mental health problems receive the treatment they need," (New Executive Actions to Reduce Gun Violence and Make Our Communities Safer). Information from the Social Security Administration on those that are mentally ill need to be included in the background check system about beneficiaries who are prohibited from possessing a firearm. Steps in doing so need to be reduced, removing any unnecessary legal barriers that prevent states from reporting any kind of relevant information. But with the different levels of severity as one looks at the situation, many ask if these executive orders are too little or too much towards gun control. As instances like Charleston continue to occur, there is no doubt to all that a stand needs to be made to ensure the safety of the public. 

