Gun control has been a hot topic lately as a result of the 2012 Sandy Hook Elementary School tragedy. Republicans and Democrats are fighting against each other over whether or not the government should enact harsher laws, making it more difficult for a person to purchase, trade, own or sell a firearm. 

There are no licenses, registrations or permits needed for a person to carry a shotgun or rifle in the state of Kansas, as of today. The only permit in Kansas is to be able to conceal and carry. 

As a supporter of gun rights I see no reason to fix something that is not broken, but I do see a need to counter the incorrect arguments many gun-control advocates use. 

MYTH #1: Gun control would make it harder for people to obtain weapons.

This is only true to an extent. As I have said before and will continue to preach, “If guns are outlawed, only outlaws will have guns.” Anyone wishing to use a firearm to harm an individual will find a way to do so illegally. Most people are not obtaining firearms to use them illegally and they should not be punished because of the few who do. 

People with malicious intent will still find a way to obtain weapons. The laws that could be put into place would not only violate the Second Amendment rights, they would also make it more difficult for people to protect themselves. This makes any gun control law both unconstitutional and dangerous for law abiding citizens. 

MYTH #2: Gun control laws would decrease crime on the street.

If I were to be robbed at gunpoint and all I had was some pepper spray and a Hail Mary, it is likely things would end badly. But by allowing conceal and carry I can even the playing field.. Because I have a brain in my head and a hidden equalizer, I would have a much better chance of escaping the situation alive. 

When properly trained on how to operate and carry a firearm a person should be allowed to exercise their rights. Thankfully we have the right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness, and if someone jeopardizes one of those, we all should be able to protect ourselves evenly. 

MYTH #3: Children are at risk for gun accidents or gun violence. 

Children are only at risk if their parents do not follow proper safety and teach their children. My father had me shooting at a young age, and made me aware of all the hidden firearms in the house. Each came with a lesson about safety and a very strict, “Don’t touch this without permission,” lecture.

If you cannot talk to your children about firearm safety, then you probably should not have a firearm in the house at all. Just as you teach children about drinking, the same respect should be taught about firearms.

Mass shootings are unfortunate, but just because most of the shooters are obtaining their weapons illegally does not mean we need to start changing the system now. Our forefathers had the country in mind when they gave us the right to bear arms. Let the states decide their gun laws, while respecting the Second Amendment. The forefather’s were wise in their development of the constitution, and Congress should remember that before taking it upon themselves to make any changes.