With the current uproar about the second amendment, debates have spread throughout our nation.
President Obama has made a proposal seeking to ban assault rifles, high capacity magazine rounds, and also requires mandatory background checks for anyone to purchase a firearm.
The primary focus of this new proposal was the ban of assault rifles. An assault rifle is a selective firearm that uses an intermediate cartridge and a detachable magazine. These guns are used in practically every military organization.
Student and faculty at OU have weighed in on these arguments and discussion as well.
“I am very anti-gun control,” junior Skyler Brown said. “I agree with most of what Obama has done (with regards to background checks), but I do not agree with the idea to ban a particular weapon.”
Senior Margee Hill feels there should be more regulations on weapons.
“I don’t see a reason for many of the weapons that are on the market for people to legally buy,” Hill said.
Senior Samuel Blecha finds himself on both sides of the debate.
“I can see valid points on both sides of the argument, but I don’t feel that we need bans (like) England, where certain firearms are banned,” he said. “It is obvious that something needs to be done to curb the occurrence of the catastrophic shootings.”
Blecha agrees with Obama on more than one point.
“In my opinion I see no real reason for a normal civilian to own an assault weapon of any kind.”
Blecha thinks the discussion goes beyond the weapons that are being used.
“I do wish the President would not place as much blame on the recent events on the guns that were used,” he said. “Instead, I wish there would be greater concentration on the mental health of the individuals that performed these horrific acts.”