With the recent Parkland, Fla. school shooting, America and some in the world are upset more than usual. Not because of the numbers killed, but the fact that the Parkland shooter legally got the weapons. So why do we need 30 round weapons that only need one bullet to kill anybody? For hunting? I’m pretty sure there’s not an a single animal that could survive 30 rounds. For self defense? Unless your intruder is Mike Day, a Navy Seal who survived 27 bullet wounds and a grenade, you’re not going to need an assault rifle.
While a 30-round semi-automatic weapon may seem absurd enough, try wrapping your head around the fact it is legal to get extended magazines that can hold up to 100 bullets in the United States. Tell me in what scenario would a citizen need that many bullets in self-defense?
If we’re to make any drastic decisions on how much liberty we should have with firearms, we should view examples of how those turn out.
Switzerland is a country known for it’s beautiful mountains, friendly-atmosphere, low crime rates, chocolate to die for, and until 2010, requiring every male over 18 to carry an assault rifle and pistol in its home or armory. This is now voluntary, but is still heavily recommended. Although gun laws are strict, having almost every citizen armed seems to work well for them.
On the other hand, we have Jamaica, which has one of the most strict gun laws. If a crime involves a firearm, the suspect goes through court, in private and without a jury. No evidence is required, and an officer’s testimony is enough to sentence anyone, which is life in prison. Despite this, Jamaica has one of the highest murder per capita rates in the world.
— Sean Nash, senior, Grace Holistic Center for Education in Yorkville
