Toe the Line: College Republicans | Gun control

Guns are only part of the problem

By John Speck 10/19/15 12:11am

Due to the most recent Oregon shooting, the nation has begun its recurring but short-winded debate about how to fix our “gun problem.” Those on the conservative side of the spectrum tend to emphasize the need for better treatment of mental health and the need for the protection of the Second Amendment: the peoples’ right to bear arms. Those on the liberal side tend to push for restrictions on the ability to purchase and use guns, citing the example of Australian gun buy-back as the basis of why fewer guns lead to less gun violence.

Neither side has all of the answers in their argument. There are common sense ideas that can be gained from both in order to create a more comprehensive, balanced plan of action. However, in no way, shape or form should there be a confiscation of guns in this country. The Second Amendment is integral in the fabric of who we are as Americans. At the founding of our country Benjamin Franklin once said, “Any society that would give up a little liberty to gain a little security will deserve neither and lose both.” Secondly, simply banning guns is not wholly effective. Where there is a will, there is a way. However, there are still ways in which guns can be regulated so that the people who should be able to possess them still can. The most significant safeguard for preventing “potential killers” from owning guns in this process is the background check, serving as a way to filter out those who appear as a possible risk. But, background checks are a common practice in a majority of cases, and most mass shooters have acquired their guns legally. Increased background checks are a sensible step forward that has broad support in the populace, but it is not the only remedy needed.

In order to not grant ownership to those who will do harm, we need to combat the real issue at hand: the lack of awareness and treatment for mental health in this country. Ever since mental institutions began to be closed in the 1960s and 70s, there has been a significant rise in mass shootings from almost none to 270 so far in 2015. It was with good reason that the institutions were closed (poor conditions and treatment), but their function in the healthcare system was never fully replaced. Instead of these institutions, many times those suffering with mental illness end up incarcerated. This places already suffering people into an even worse situation and contributes to our overpopulation problem in the prison system. The need for sufficient treatment for those suffering from mental illness should not only be a talking point in response to mass shootings, and College Republicans does not believe it is simply a deflective point made to distract from talking about gun restriction.

Mental health as a whole is a difficult topic to discuss. There is still a stigma which surrounds the subject that causes people to shy away. One in five Americans suffers from mental illness, yet there is still the stigma which associates the illness with weakness. This is a particularly poignant topic given the recent history with mental health here at Penn. Student groups have called for an increase in mental health outreach and availability, and the same should be sought nationwide. We must commit resources to ensuring that we are identifying and properly treating mental health.

Through the use of effective policy making, it is possible to create safeguards upon which both parties will agree. College Republicans believes that there are practical solutions that could receive bipartisan support. Nonetheless, even the most stringent of policies cannot prevent every mass shooting from happening, simply due to statistics. However, we as individuals have the greatest power and potential to bring out change. Through empathy, we can break the paradigm of mental illness, reach out to those outcast and afraid, and truly change not only the gun problem but our society as a whole.

College Republican Editorial Board

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Toe the Line examines issues from two different sides. Click here to view the Penn Democrats side.

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