President Pushes for Common Sense

On January 5, President Barack Obama revealed a new strategy to combat the rampant gun violence in the United States, and it is comprised mostly of common-sense solutions that should have been implemented years ago.

The main focus is closing what is known as the “gun show loophole,” the proposal directing the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) to require any business engaging in gun sales to obtain a federal license to do so.  These would include not just normal businesses, but sellers at gun shows and sellers over the internet (hence the title of the aforementioned loophole).  All background check requirements would now be applied to gun shows and internet transactions, making it difficult for criminals to acquire guns as easily as before, while only requiring law-abiding citizens to go through the channels they would for a normal gun store.  

Additionally, a rule would be issued  clarifying that dealers and licensees who ship firearms have a responsibility to report to law enforcement if guns are stolen or lost in transit, which is not only a reasonable responsibility, but one that would further cut down on violence. This also has the potential for returning such stolen property to their rightful owners. This rule is also beneficial as state law enforcement would be encouraged to work with federal investigators to strengthen the background check system, and have the FBI modernize the background check system and increasing funding to the ATF.

A common criticism of the current system of gun sales is that it is too easy for those with mental health issues to access weapons, and the proposals address this with a $500 million investment into increasing access to health care and finalizing rules allowing states to report relevant information regarding people with mental health issues prohibited from owning a gun related to these mental health issues, as well as including mental health information in the background check system.  

Contrary to the image created by wealthy lobbyist organizations such as the National Rifle Association (NRA), President Obama is not trying to take away guns.  In fact, several of these proposals could help keep guns safe by requiring the reporting of stolen weapons that were being shipped. The new plan assists in keeping dangerous weapons out of the hands of people who should not own a firearm, such as those with mental health issues, and it will help close the gun show loophole that has allowed far too many to easily get their hands on weapons without proper background checks.

These legislations would help reduce death in a nation where the previous year seemingly had more days with shootings than not.  It’s time to quit hiding and admit there is a significant problem, and these solutions are a step toward responsible gun control.