In 2016, more than 38,000 people died in gun-related deaths in the U.S., according to the CDC. More than 11,000 of those deaths were the result of gun-related homicides, and roughly 25,000 of those deaths were the result of gun-related suicides.

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In Alabama, 1,046 people died in gun-related deaths in 2016, according to AL.com. 454 of those deaths were the results of gun-related homicides, 550 of those deaths were the results of gun-related suicides. Gun violence seems to pose a major problem to our modern society, with no real remedy in sight. As a result, our politics and our country have become divided on this issue of the Second Amendment. Some have called for a complete repeal, others have stated that the Second Amendment is crucial and can’t be altered in any way, and many people fall into the grey area in between.

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The Second Amendment to the United States Constitution 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.” Since being enshrined into this nation’s history, following the placing of the amendment in the Bill of Rights by James Madison, the 2nd Amendment has been a point of contention amongst politicians and people alike. This is no different in our modern era. 

   

Proponents of the Second Amendment argue that it is crucial in retaining our Democracy and preserving our fundamental freedoms. Well known political pundits, such as Ben Shapiro, have stated that the Second Amendment allows us to, “resist against government tyranny,” and that this was the original and continued intention behind the Second Amendment. Xena Amirani, the CEO and Founder of the March For Our Rights movement, that served as a counter march to the movement started in the wake of the Parkland shooting, argues that, “The second Amendment continues to be important because it is necessary to protect the other amendments in the bill of rights, against government tyranny, and against individuals that wish to do you and your property harm.” When asked if the Amendment should be restricted in any way, Amirani said, “The actual amendment shouldn’t be restricted, however, subsequent to a due process trial, individuals may be denied access to certain rights include the right to keep and bear arms.” Citizens and politicians across the state of Alabama, echoed this claim. Kyle Morris, a student at the University of Alabama said, “The Second Amendment, as a component in our modern day society, is one that many seem to underestimate the importance of. Not only does it prevent the government from imposing tyranny, but it also allows ordinary Americans to protect themselves from others who wish to inflict harm on them. Our society needs the Second Amendment, it is vital to our country’s future.”

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According to the Quartz Magazine article regarding gun ownership in 2013, roughly 22 - 29% of Americans own all the guns within the nation, concluding that several Americans have more than one weapon in their possession. On ThoughtCo.com’s 2017 article of gun ownership state by state, the state of Alabama alone is ranked number six overall in the country at 33.15 guns per capita. This translates to 161,641 guns registered. The statistics do not include illegal carry of guns in the state nor country. In comparison to the other states that top Alabama, they consist of Virginia, New Mexico, New Hampshire, Washington D.C, and Wyoming at the number one spot. The gun per capita between Washington D.C. and Wyoming is 161.19, which is rather astronomical when comparing the other states with the top 5 gun per capita are only within 5 guns per capita at maximum.

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There are laws that currently exist in the state of Alabama in regards to home ownership of guns. Alabama residents that are 18 and up can purchase rifles and shotguns when purchased from licensed dealers. This does not require a gun permit. However, an Alabama resident cannot purchase or sell a handgun until they are 21 years old. According to Alabama law, the purchase or sale of any firearm weapon is illegal if dealing with someone with a history of violence, disorderly conduct,  problems relating to alcohol, or legally diagnosed as mentally unstable.

 

 Each state differs in gun control laws. For example,  In the state of Alabama, it is legal to open carry a handgun without a permit with the exception of being in a vehicle. However, nearby states such as Tennessee, Georgia, and Florida state otherwise. While open carry with a permit is legal in Georgia and Tennessee, it is never legal in the state of Florida.

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Due to fatal incidents occured within the past few years, several political figurines have decided propose some changes towards our gun laws in order or less lives to be taken due to the abuse of power from the gun user. President of the Outcast Voters League Frank Matthews expressed his concerns in an interview with Alabama Magazine in 2017 about the Mandatory Gun Changes Act.  Matthews expressed his concerns, stated that the organization does not want to abolish the use of guns, but wants the government to enforce laws that hold gun owners responsible for their actions. State Representative John Rogers confirmed at this interview that he wants to “fashion a bill that’s passable” in regards to gun reform in the state of Alabama.

 

Some of these changes proposed to be made were:

• Prohibit the ownership of guns for any individual under the age of 21

• Mental evaluation

• Ammo purchases made only for the caliber gun specified on registration.

• Mandatory gun safety classes

Once these changes are implemented into our gun laws, one can only imagine the progress we will make as a state.

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The political division present amongst politicians and their electorates, respectively, is nothing new. However the impact of the issue in voters decision making process can’t be overlooked. The question of the relevance, and importance of, the Second Amendment to our modern day society is incredibly important. The only question left is too determine on where on the spectrum of the debate surrounding the Second Amendment do you fall?