Gun Control is a topic that is controversial and widely talked about across the nation due to the increase in gun violence over the past decades. Considering the number of mass shootings the United States has experienced and the presidential debate, this topic is relevant to society and will have a great impact on the future. When analyzing the argument, there are two sides that fuel the debate: anti-gun control and pro-gun control. Because both sides' beliefs are deeply rooted and based on self-interest, the government needs to create a compromise; this being said, moderate gun control will increase background checks, education, and limit what firearms are available for purchase. The increase in restrictions and education will satisfy the pro-gun control supporters, and the the fact firearms will still be available for purchase will please the anti-gun control advocates. When choosing potential research topics, I analyzed what would be relatable to my life. This topic affects my values because I strongly believe that an individual should have the right to own a handgun upon proper background checks and paperwork being completed. My family, specifically my grandparents, express their interest and beliefs on gun control because of their direct involvement in war. Being around this influence, has taught me proper safety with guns, as well as, the harm they can potentially cause if mishandled. I am qualified to write about this topic because of the research that I have conducted over the past several weeks and the personal experiences with my family. 

Throughout history, there have been many different legislations that have attempted to control gun violence. The Keating Center, a webpage sponsored by Oklahoma Wesleyan University which supports constitutional liberties, produced an article that states that there is more to the debate on gun control than just a two-sided argument. Eric Peterson, the author of the article, served as a lieutenant at Bartlesville Police Department for 23 years and therefor deeply values the constitutional right to bear arms. He was recognized by the US Department of Justice and was awarded the department's Medal of Valor and The Chief's Award. The war on drugs is used as evidence to compare the war on guns; the war on drugs has not decreased drug usage, instead, violence has increased because of black markets. Experts argue that more gun control laws will have "either no effect on reducing violent crime, or may increase violent crime". This article also touches on self defense, questioning how many people would be harmed if individuals could not defend themselves. Gun owners, the general public, and the government are all invested in this topic and therefor have an interest in the outcome. 

Eliminating the ability to purchase guns would be considered unconstitutional on the basis of the second amendment. Ezra Klein wrote an article on gun control that stated legislation should focus on how to limit purchases of firearms while still giving the public their second amendment right. His article suggested that enforcing higher taxes, requiring mandatory training before a purchase (like driving a car), and establishing waiting periods would decrease who is able to obtain a firearm; however, criminals will always find a way to get a gun. Klein stated in the article, "We may not know how to prevent the massacre in Newton, but we do know how to reduce gun death"( Klein). Mass shootings are hard to predict, but by limiting who can purchase a fire arm, they will become less likely. The public's interest is at stake because all legislation has a large effect on the safety of today's society. Citizens of the United States have the constitutional right to purchase a firearm, although limitations and requirements such as: licenses, background checks, mandatory training, and waiting periods could all contribute. Ezra Klein is a columnist for the Washington Post and a well known blogger; he graduated from UCLA with a political science degree. Klein was recognized by The Week magazine for his blog and given the Carey McWilliam Award from the American Political Science Association.

Negative connotations are often assumed with guns although there are many positive benefits of owning a firearm: safety is one of them. Jacob Schuman, the author of an article in the Huffington Post, graduated from Brown University and later graduated from Harvard Law. The article states that restricting fire arm access will benefit society due to low income neighborhoods with a history of violence having more of an opportunity to improve their lives. The crime rates are much higher in lower income communities and the use of guns only increases destruction of the area. The article also uses statistics on certain races that are involved in gun crimes to back up their claims. Lower economic communities' interests are at stake because they are most susceptible to the higher crime rates. The general publics' interest is also at stake because everyone is affected by government legislation. Many people over look that with proper training and knowledge on fire arms, they are beneficial to society. This article sheds light on the pro-gun control argument which will allow my essay to address both sides, refute, and create stronger claims for why moderate gun control will be more beneficial in society. 

My research exigence is arguable because the gun control debate is such a heated topic due to recent mass shootings over the years. With the presidential election coming up, the candidates are voicing their opinions and solutions on the topic. The sources that I chose represent both sides of the argument; therefor, I am educated on the entirety of the topic which allows me to form opinions. While reading the article that stated more firearms increase violence, my original beliefs were challenged, but remained the same. That being said, I do not support the pro-gun control arguments specifically because an increase in fire arms would not cause a destruction of a community with the proper training, background check, and education. Firearms should remain available to the public, but the government should strengthen the process of purchasing one. I will need to research more on the topic and find specific real word examples in order to address the issue fully. 

