...GUN VIOLENCE ON CHILDREN AND TEENS Every year in this country, thousands of children and teens are killed by gun violence. Those who live in the lower class are in constant fear of being killed or maimed during acts of violence. Drug deals, gang wars, racial wars, and random school shootings such as Sandy Hook Elementary School, tells America there are no safe places in this country that does not have some kind of violence. According to the Children’s Defense Fund, there are more infants, toddlers, and preschool children killed than officers who are in the line of duty. Firearm deaths in the United States stated that in 2010, there were 2,711 infant, children, and teens killed by gun violence (CDC 2012). Between 1981 and 2010, gun violence killed 112.375 infants, children, and teens. This is 25,000 more deaths than the number of soldiers killed in Korea, Vietnam, Iraq, and Afghanistan combined (Children’s Defense Fund 2013). Of these deaths, 1,982 were murders by gun violence. Every state between 2000 and 2010 lost children to gun violence with the deadliest of these in Alaska with an 8.7 gun deaths for every 100,000 children (Children’s Defense Fund 2013). The deadliest state was Alaska with 8.7 gun deaths for every 100,000 children and teens each year, more than twice the nationwide rate of 3.6. While Alaska was 21 times more deadly for children and teens, the safest state in the nation is Hawaii. While all the states in this country has dealt with children’s’ death...
Words: 1849 - Pages: 8
...lives and families. Last year 3,012 children and teens were killed by gunfire in the United States; while our government and the people on opposite sides are debating and arguing about being pro-gun and anti-gun, a child, a teen and many people are dying by the second. Released in 2002 according to the latest national data that is one child every three hours. According to Children’s Defense Fund and National Center for Health Statistics every year at least 4 to 5 times as many kids and teens suffer from non-fatal firearm injuries. Between 1979 and 2001, gunfire killed 90,000 children and teens in America. In one year, more children and teens were lost their lives to gunfire than from cancer, pneumonia, influenza, asthma, and HIV/AIDS combined. Children’s Defense Fund. Firearm deaths among kids under 15 are almost 12 times higher in the United States than in other industrialized countries combined, says Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Education Association Health Information Network (2005). From Statistics Facts & Quotes in 2005 there were 1,019 gun deaths in the state of Illinois, which a 3% increase from 2004 statewide gun deaths. The 2005 Illinois gun deaths included 569 homicides 56% of all IL gun deaths 424 suicides 42% of all IL gun deaths 21 unintentional shootings, 1 legal intervention, and 4 of undetermined intent 2% of all IL gun deaths combined. Numbers were obtained from National Center for Health Statistics, mortality report online, (2008)...
Words: 2087 - Pages: 9
...bear arms. There is law to support both sides. I am not going to argue the merits of either view from a constitutional perspective; instead, I want to show that firearms in general are an impediment to American society, not a benefit. The only solution that will help to protect society is Gun Control. Primarily, we need to restrict gun ownership, the types of firearms/ammunition allowed and who is allowed to possess them. To put it nicely, you would have to be a person of diminished capacity to not believe that there is a relationship between firearms and the escalating rate of deaths in America. Our rates of murder, suicide, and accidental deaths by firearms are one of the highest (compared to other developed countries) in the world. In an article by Charles Kenny, he references a “survey of academic studies performed by Harvard University’s Lisa Hepburn and David Hemenway where they concluded “That high-income countries with more firearms have more homicides. Americans have the highest gun ownership in the world, with nine guns for every 10 people” (Kenny Par 4,5). That is an incredible number. I don’t have a gun, and most of my friends don’t own one. Many people in this country do not own guns. That can only mean that there are many people who own multiple guns. No wonder we have so many accidental firearm related deaths....
Words: 2234 - Pages: 9
...PROTECT CHILDREN NOT GUNS 2012 THIS REPORT IS DEDICATED TO THE MEMORY OF TRAYVON MARTIN AND THE THOUSANDS OF CHILDREN AND TEENAGERS KILLED BY GUNS EACH YEAR IN AMERICA. Children’s Defense Fund Mission Statement T he Children’s Defense Fund Leave No Child Behind® mission is to ensure every child a Healthy Start, a Head Start, a Fair Start, a Safe Start and a Moral Start in life and successful passage to adulthood with the help of caring families and communities. CDF provides a strong, effective and independent voice for all the children of America who cannot vote, lobby or speak for themselves. We pay particular attention to the needs of poor and minority children and those with disabilities. CDF educates the nation about the needs of children and encourages preventive investments before they get sick, drop out of school, get into trouble or suffer family breakdown. CDF began in 1973 and is a private, nonprofit public charity supported by foundation and corporate grants and individual donations. © 2012 Children’s Defense Fund. All rights reserved. Table of Contents Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 Foreword . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Stand Up and Take Action . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Child and Teen Gun Deaths . . . . . . . . . ....
Words: 12784 - Pages: 52
...in South Africa and its impact on mental health Introduction According to the World Health Organization in the World Report on Violence and Health, violence is defined as “the intentional use of physical force or power, threatened as actual, against oneself, another person, or against a group or community, that either results in or has a high likelihood of resulting in injury, death, psychological harm, maldevelopment or deprivation”. (Krug E, Dahlberg L, Mercy J. et al.2002). The definition is further, divided into three categories, according to who has committed the violent act. There is self-directed violence, where one intends in harming one`s self in acts of suicide resulting in death or parasuicide where death does not occur....
Words: 1692 - Pages: 7
...Position on Gun Control Michelle Musil Chamberlain College of Nursing Gun Control 1. What is your position on gun control? Make an argument that is supported by at least three statistical findings. My position on gun control doesn’t involve taking away our rights to own guns but it adds heavy restrictions when trying to obtain or when owning a gun. In an article by Browning, written in 1974, it states that 47% of suicides are accomplished with the use of a gun. I used a statistic from that time period to show the need to decrease the availability for firearms were just as important as it is today. Caron (2004) stated that by guaranteeing guns are being stored properly decreased the chance by 37.5%, that guns are going to be used in suicide situations. This also would decrease the chance of an accidental shooting that involves children who get ahold of guns. By saying that owning a gun would be beneficial if attacked is an attempt to divert the actual issue of gun violence. This is a logical fallacy, called red herring, which can be convincing but for the wrong reasons. Within this fallacy the statistics that go along with it are inaccurate because they show a favor for gun regulation. McClurg (2013) states that 55.5% of Americans support gun regulation. They believe that gun regulation would decrease gun violence across the country. 2. Find an argument in the media that uses statistics for its premise on an issue other than gun control, and critique it. What requirements...
Words: 509 - Pages: 3
...The Debate Over Gun Control Gun Control, a term that refers to the management of firearms in an effort to reduce the criminal use of these weapons. (MICROSOFT (R) ENCARTA 1995) In the year 2004 there were more than 210 million privately owned guns in the United States, which makes it plain to see why there are arguments for and against even the smallest amount of gun control. The Second Admendment to the Constitution of the United States, guarantees “the right of the people to keep and bear Arms shall not be infringed.” In the 1930s a law passed by the federal government that required people wishing to own or possess a fully automatic or sawed-off barrel firearm to pay a $200 registration fee. This law was amended in 1986 to ban the manufacture of fully automatic firearms. (MICROSOFT (R) ENCARTA 1995) Some of the U.S. cities, such as Washington D.C., Chicago, and New York City, place restrictions on handgun ownership. A few cities across the U.S. have banned handguns entirely. A federal law restricts handgun amuntion capable of piercing body armor, and also requires that guns with plastic parts to contain enough enough metal in the gun to be detectable amount of metal. Law enforcement groups are among the most influential supports for a stricter gun control laws. Efforts to pass national gun control laws have met fierce opposition from gun lobbiest. However in 1993, after a seven year battle, the congress of the United States passed the Brady bill, which...
Words: 3742 - Pages: 15
...THE DEBATE OVER GUN CONTROL By: Brad Hales ITT-TECH Bessemer, Al. EN 1320 J. Henderson March 9, 2013 Gun Control, a term that refers to the management of firearms in an effort to reduce the criminal use of these weapons. (MICROSOFT (R) ENCARTA 1995) In the year 2004 there were more than 210 million privately owned guns in the United States, which makes it plain to see why there are arguments for and against even the smallest amount of gun control. The Second Amendment to the Constitution of the United States guarantees “the right of the people to keep and bear Arms shall not be infringed.” In the 1930s a law passed by the federal government that required people wishing to own or possess a fully automatic or sawed-off barrel firearm to pay a $200 registration fee. This law was amended in 1986 to ban the manufacture of fully automatic firearms. (MICROSOFT (R) ENCARTA 1995) Some of the U.S. cities, such as Washington D.C., Chicago, and New York City, place restrictions on handgun ownership. A few cities across the U.S. Have handguns banned entirely. A federal law restricts handgun ammunition capable of piercing body armor, and also requires that guns with plastic parts to contain enough metal in the gun to be detectable amount of metal. Law enforcement groups are among the most influential supports for a stricter gun control laws. Efforts to pass national gun control laws have met fierce opposition from gun lobbyist. However in 1993, after a seven...
Words: 3849 - Pages: 16
...produced into a nation based on the ideologies of freedom and democracy; with the constitution as the heart of its central government. The basic rights of citizens stated in the amendments are not only unambiguous but also eminently conserved by the Judicial System and Supreme Courts, which makes it a crucial challenge to modify, despite having national catastrophes that leave the government questioning their responsibilities with regard to public safety. Guns are a huge presence on the American landscape, no doubt. With an estimated 300 million firearms privately owned in the U.S., we practically have a weapon for every citizen. In 1994, President Clinton signed a ten year assault weapons ban into law but industries continued to manufacture civilian versions of military rifles. According to author Paul Berrett, “The prohibition actually helped transform what had been a marginal product for most manufacturers into a gun-rights poster child, celebrated by the National Rifle Association and sought after by a much bigger share of the gun-buying public.” Since the ban’s expiration in 2004,...
Words: 1793 - Pages: 8
...Violence is defined by the World Health Organization as "the intentional use of physical force or power, threatened or actual, against oneself, another person, or against a group or community, which either results in or has a high likelihood of resulting in injury, death, psychological harm, maldevelopment, or deprivation", although the group acknowledges that the inclusion of "the use of power" in its definition expands on the conventional meaning of the word.[2] This definition involves intentionality with the committing of the act itself, irrespective of the outcome it produces. However, generally, anything that is excited in an injurious or damaging way may be described as violent even if not meant to be violence (by a person and against a person). Globally, violence resulted in the deaths of an estimated 1.28 million people in 2013 up from 1.13 million in 1990.[3] Of the deaths in 2013, roughly 842,000 were attributed to self-harm (suicide), 405,000 to interpersonal violence, and 31,000 to collective violence (war) and legal intervention.[3] In Africa, out of every 100,000 people, each year an estimated 60.9 die a violent death.[4] Corlin, past president of the American Medical Association said: "The United States leads the world—in the rate at which its children die from firearms." He concluded: "Gun violence is a threat to the public health of our country."[5]For each single death due to violence, there are dozens of hospitalizations, hundreds of emergency department visits...
Words: 388 - Pages: 2
...necessary to diminish crime and many pro gun advocates, look at Switzerland as proof that it is false. To get into this heated debate, it is important to understand the term gun control. Gun control is defined as laws that control the selling, owning, and use of guns (Webster's Dictionary). Like in any debate there are always two very different stance on this topic. PRO Pro gun control advocates argue that having strict gun laws will decrease the nation's crime rate. They also point out that having tougher gun laws will save lives by avoiding any more public massacres. To the eyes of a gun control advocate, it seems like a no brainer. After all, the less guns on the street will result in less gun related deaths. In the United States, 33,636 people have died due to a firearm in 2013 (Alpers, Philip).That number accounts for murders, homicides and suicides across the country. Thousands of people that year lost their life due to a firearm incident and the number keeps growing each year. Many gun control advocates wonder why it is so difficult to implement stricter gun laws in the world's greatest democracy. The misinterpretation of the second amendment is what's holding back the U.S. Many people that are against gun control throw around the Second Amendment a whole lot. What many have failed to realize is that the Second Amendment protects the right of militias to own guns, not the individual. Let's take a look at what the Second Amendment states. The Second Amendment to the Constitution...
Words: 1584 - Pages: 7
...establish procedures for enforcing laws to prohibit firearm possession by specified persons. It is safe to say that by voting yes, public safety would improve and there would be a lesser chance for guns and ammunition to end up in the wrong hands. Convicted felons, domestic abusers, or anyone who has specific kinds of mental health problems would be prohibited the possession of firearms. Research shows that people with common mental health illnesses are more likely to commit violent crimes than any “regular” person. It is also found that a person with mental health problems are very likely to kill themselves. 90% of people who commit suicide had been diagnosed with a mental illness. In America, more than 32,000 people lose their lives to gun violence. It is up to the people to take action against such large numbers, since members of congress have refused to do so. Changes can be made. This includes a requirement for a four-year permit that has to be bought from the California Department of Justice. A dealer can not sell ammunition to an individual without checking the permit first. Most ammunition sales would be made through licensed ammunition vendors. It is important to have a background check system, for the California Department of justice system to identify illegally possessed guns and confiscate them. If a person is convicted of stealing a firearm they would immediately be prohibited from possessing firearms. Proposition 63 would make stealing a gun, no matter...
Words: 835 - Pages: 4
...the right of the people to keep and bear Arms shall not be infringed." In the Bill of rights it clearly states that firearm control shall not be infringed at all. Most gun laws and regulations are divided into the 50 states to decide the fate of the citizens. The federal laws are simply the second amendment, and background checks prior to gun purchases. The current laws are a little strict with their current background checks and concealed handgun regulations. Guns should be able to be bought with straight cash, with no questions asked at all. Pro Side: Gun sales and gun ownership is a volatile market, and has to be regulated for the safety of the general public. Support: Gun laws need to be immediately enforced to the general public due to possible uncertainties to mental health, and emotional control. Some people cannot control themselves, and their emotions. Most countries in the 21st century of thinking will say that guns need to be registered with the state, and federal governments. Handguns, silencers, and automated rifles being the most volatile, and highest priority of restrictions. Some people will argue that whole wars are fought over who has the biggest and baddest guns, and pride. If guns as a whole were taken away from the reaches every citizen crime rates would logically have to go down. Our country would be a safer place for our children to roam about, and for anyone to feel more “free”. Guns are the focal point of evil, and can only cause bad to some people...
Words: 630 - Pages: 3
...suicide. However, these stories could be diminished with gun laws that make it harder for people to have access to or be around the deadly weapons. There are more than twenty-two million children currently living in homes with guns in the United States. This number becomes a problem when children are uneducated on gun safety and their dangers. Nearly 1,500 children younger than eighteen die from shootings each year. A majority of these death are accidental deaths in a home with a gun (Schaechter). Suicide could also be reduced with tighter gun control. Some gun control laws would make it harder for people with mental health issues to come into possession with...
Words: 1505 - Pages: 7
...In the United States, over a thousand children have been shot dead in 2018 alone. Twenty American schools have been tainted with blood and bullets. America's youth are terrified of going to school because the one kid in English is 'weird'. Civilians can purchase firearms used in the military for whatever purpose. A gun built for shooting down an army of men is available to whoever. Yes, mental health regulations exist – but how seriously are we taking it? The answer should be obvious. Imagine having a full year without your phone flooding with news headlines; "breaking news: sixty dead in mass shooting"…."seventeen shot dead in Parkland High School, Florida." Between the ages of zero and nineteen, forty-one children and teens are shot in murders, assaults, suicides, suicide attempts, unintentional shootings, and police intervention daily. According to The Brady Campaign, even children and teens die from gun violence. Four of them are murdered, and three are lost to suicide. Every day, forty children and teens are shot and survive. Thirty-one are shot in an armed attack, and one survives a suicide attempt, and 8 are shot unintentionally. It should scare us to know that every day our youth somehow come face-to-face with a gun, and they lose their lives due to something preventable....
Words: 976 - Pages: 4
