Dear Next President,

A universal background check for gun purchases is just one of our country’s issues. This is an issue because people have opportunities to purchase guns without having a background check. In eight states such as California, Colorado Connecticut, Delaware, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island, and Washington State it is required to have a universal background check at the point of sale for all transfers of all classes of firearms, including purchases from unlicensed sellers. My opinion on universal background checks are that if citizens are going to possess a firearm it would be smart to have background checks for all 50 states.

“How criminals get their guns” reported by Michael Martinez suggests that, Illegal gun purchases could happen from retailing apps or by simply just stealing them. There are a number of sources that allow guns to fall into the wrong hands, with gun thefts at the bottom of the list. Straw purchases are an issue because it could allow someone to buy a firearm for someone else and the actually owner of the gun not be there. As Lauren Carroll wrote, “Gun control advocates often refer to the 90% of Americans that support expanding background checks for gun purchases.” Most of the American population agrees with having background checks. The federal law requires background checks for all people who try to buy firearms from federally licensed dealers. The federal law, however, does not require background checks for “private transactions” like sales at gun shows Chris Cox reported, “The National Rifle Association believes that terrorists should not be allowed to purchase a firearm at all.” This is understandable because any citizen would not want a terrorist to threaten us because we allowed a purchase of a firearm to them. It could affect us because we would have to take action if terrorists came over to our country and we would have to defend ourselves. As Donald Trump said, “People on the terror watch list should be banned from buying firearms.” This could affect me because as a Donald Trump supporter it would make since to not allow terrorist or even people on the terror watch list should be able to buy a firearm.

The growth of many illegal purchases have led to some events including the Columbine shooting, Sandy Hook, and Ft. Hood. Citizens need to be aware of things that are happening in our country because of these purchases. Criminals will find a way to get guns regardless of what is expected, I just believe that if we are able to do something little then it would be better than nothing. If we were able to see the backgrounds of these people then we would have a better chance at keeping our country safe.

I suggest making background checks a priority when purchasing a firearm. If we pass the background check then you could be allowed to own a firearm, if not then we would be able too. You could pass the test by some sort of screening also. An authority figure could have the right to accept or decline the transaction of purchasing a firearm. I believe that if we attempt to make this a law then some of our country’s issues will be resolved.

Sincerely, Trenton H.