In the U.S., people have a Constitutional right to bear arms. This right is protected by the Second Amendment, which states that “a well regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed.” While the justification for the Second Amendment may seem outdated to some, it is honored and celebrated by others who believe that part of what makes America unique among other countries in the world is that its citizens have never been denied the right to bear arms. Indeed, among all modern nations, the U.S. stands out for its gun laws for a number of reasons. Compared to England, where guns are banned, the U.S. is practically the Wild West, where virtually anyone can get a gun it seems. While that is not exactly true, as there are a number of checks that are in place among the 50 states that require extensive background investigations and that prevent ex-convicts from owning a gun (NRA, 2014), guns are available for purchase for those who meet the necessary legal age criteria and clean background. Still, the questions continue: should guns be allowed? What benefit do they serve in the 21st century? What risk do they pose? This paper will address the subject of gun laws by explaining why in America guns are and should be allowed.
America’s unique history is rooted in violence and force—and the Founding Fathers appreciated that fact when they agreed to protect the rights of the people to be able to stand up for themselves in the face of aggression. True, it was a different world in the 18th century. The threat of being attacked by Indians was still real enough. The lack of an established law enforcement system like the one today was evident. States also had a concern about safety and invasion and war—not just with hostile nations abroad but with hostile neighbors. The central government then was not what it is today. In order for people to defend life, liberty and property they had to have access to arms and they had to have a guarantee from their government that they would be able to bear arms in order to preserve their independence.

Today, Americans are still fiercely independent and concerned about safety. However, the means of protection have changed: today, there are untold numbers of law enforcement agencies and departments, from local police to the Department of Homeland Security. Since 9/11, Americans have been willing to give up more of their constitutional freedoms (such as the right to privacy) in exchange for guarantees of...…fight for what they believe in. Violence is simply part of American life and that is not going to change. Since it is the case, Americans want to know that they can protect themselves from danger, and that is why guns are important to Americans.

Guns are part of America’s pastime and part of American industry. Gun laws can help to ensure that people who have violated federal law or who are mentally unstable do not have legal access to buy guns—but there is and will always be a black market for guns for those who want to obtain them illegally. Considering that safety is important to Americans, the ability to protect oneself, one’s family and one’s property should be important to them as well. This is why the 2nd Amendment was written. The right to bear arms was deemed an essential part of the American experience, because America had essentially been taken by force, and there would likely be others who would come along to take it if Americans themselves were not willing to stand up and protect what they had won. That is the primary reason guns will never and should never be banned in the U.S.