How Strict Should We Be?

    For those people who want to increase gun control to some extent but feel that adopting a strict form of gun control will deprive them of the right to bear arms can gain greater understanding on the need for the strict laws by looking at the Australian style of gun control. In 1996 Australia adopted the Draconian gun control laws banning certain guns, requiring registration of all firearms and permits for all gun owners.              
    According to a study by Miguel A. Faria, Jr. M.D. the problem began with the Port Arthur, Tasmania tragedy in 1996, when a crazed assailant opened fire and shot 35 people. Australians were shocked and the government reacted quickly. Draconian gun legislation was passed immediately. As a result of the ban, all semiautomatic firearms (rifles and handguns) are prohibited, including .22 caliber rabbit guns and shotguns. Even after the legislation was passed, only 640,000 out of an estimated 7 million firearms were surrendered to police. According to Faria, the result to this enactment has been shocking. Twelve months after the law was implemented in 1997, there has been a 44 percent increase in armed robberies, an 8.6 percent increase in aggravated assaults and a 3.2 percent increase in homicides. Although many may say that this statistic does not coorelate with gun control the study also reveals that there has been a 300% increase in homicides committed with a firearm.
    The Australian government simply outlawed the use of many guns. But the Draconian style of Gun control does not adequately screen those acquiring a permit. Outlawing the guns does nothing more than make it more of a thrill to use the gun when someone has the intention to kill. To ensure the safety of our nation the process of acquiring a permit needs refinement and greater restriction and it is necessary for the safety of our nation.

Alex