by Robert Borneman

Created on: April 23, 2008

The problems with making it illegal for felons to own guns are numerous and serious. "Felon" is just too broad of a scope to judge each convict the same way. There are 'felons' that have never committed a violent crime. There are also gun owners who commit their first felony with a gun they legally bought. This issue goes much deeper than just being legally eligible to own a gun.

Owning a weapon, firearm or otherwise, is every humans right. Not privilege. It is all of our right to be able to protect ourselves, convict or not. The point that is so consistently missed is that PEOPLE kill people, guns don't do anything themselves. And if a criminal is willing to shoot somebody, im going to bet hes also willing to illegally obtain a firearm. As a matter of fact, I'd bet that even while guns are legal, most crimes are committed with unregistered, illegal firearms. By making it illegal for felons to own guns you are only adding a charge to the suspects case, not stopping or even deterring any crime. It's obvious that somebody that is willing to shoot another person is also willing to steal a weapon.

Getting 12 speeding tickets in one year makes you a felon. Getting caught stealing a pack of bubble gum 3 times, makes you a felon. The list goes on...and yet what do any of these crimes have to do with owning a gun? Those that want guns for killing will still get them, and those that drive too fast too often cant own a gun to defend themselves against the burglars who simply got guns illegally. Sure there are child molesters, perverts, drug dealers and etc...but again, the only ones of these who will be affected by anti-gun legislation are those who wont commit violent crimes.

Recently mayor Michael Nutter of Philadelphia was a guest on "The Colbert Report." He was there to talk about anti gun legislation he is working to pass. When Colbert asked him, "Why not give everybody guns? Wouldn't that make it less likely somebody would break in shooting at you if they knew you could shoot them back?" the mayor answered smugly and sarcastically, "We haven't thought of that." Why not? Why be so proud that you are not thinking logically? Colbert then brought to light the fact that if you read the constitution, it's actually illegal to make guns illegal, so actually Nutter himself is breaking the law. Stephen then said "Don't people have the right to own a gun?" Mayor Nutter, in a once again very smug tone replied, "People have the right to not get shot. Thats all we know".

Actually, there is no part of the constitution specifically saying people have the right not to get shot. However, there is a part that specifically says people have the right to own guns. I feel very said for the citizens of Philadelphia. Such ignorant, short sighted views are kind of embarrassing to hear. You cannot stop people from getting their hands on guns. It is better to sell guns to everybody and have them registered and kept track of, rather than make every gun on the street illegal. Unfortunately, that's the direction is seems everybody wants to go..

Learn more about this author, Robert Borneman.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.