Future President

1600 Pennsylvania Avenue,

Washington D.C. 20500

Dear Future President,

According to the UN data by the Guardian, “The US has nearly six times the gun homicide rate as Canada, more than 7 times as Sweden, and nearly 16 times as Germany.” Gun violence is a huge problem in America today. It's an important topic to me because the US has the highest level of gun violence in the world today. The US also has the highest number of privately owned guns, and doesn't do background checks on buyers.

I believe that we need to do background checks on any buyers, as well as training and a required license for the buyers. “Estimated in 2007, the number of civilian-owned firearms in the US was 88.8 guns per 100 people” (Vox). We have the highest level of gun violence in America and this is definitely one of the reasons why. It is relatively easy to get ahold of a gun in the US and that's not good. Guns can be put into the hands of people who shouldn't be able to own one. “Up to 60% of mass shooters have some kind of psychiatric or psychological symptom” (Vox). That means 60/100 gun buyers could have a symptom and not control their actions while using a gun. Gun seller need to do background checks on the people they're selling firearms to because it's much safer and can reduce unnecessary violence.

Many people who oppose my opinion might say that we have the right to bear arms, which we do, but this is being used in a negative way. I do agree that we have this right, but I believe that it’s unnecessary to own a gun if you do not need it. Guns are being used to murder innocent people more than they are to “bear arms” or protect yourself. “Americas high levels of gun ownership are a major reason why the US is so much worse in terms of gun violence than its developed peers” (Vox). I think if you must have a gun you should be licensed and trained for how to use it.

The US has the highest amount of gun violence out of the developed countries in our world today. I believe by making it harder to buy and sell guns our level of unnecessary violence will decrease. I believe my position in this issue is the logical choice because it will save lives and also make America safer. We need to take action and realize that any gun buyers need to have background checks and must be licensed before purchasing a firearm. Guns are being used in a negative way and that needs to change.

Sincerely,

Lena