By: Leena Sen
Early this month, President Obama addressed his plan to put new restrictions on gun purchases in the United States.
The President recalled the numerous shootings around the US since the beginning of his terms as President, focusing on the Sandy Hook primary school shooting in 2012, specifically on the unreasonable death of 20 children and 6 adults.
Obama plans to widen background checks on potential gun buyers; his plan has not yet been approved by Congress. The National Rifle Association has also stated it will fight Obama’s measures.
The entirety of the President’s call to action includes background checks for all gun sellers, overturning current exemptions to some online and gun show sellers; states providing information on people disqualified from buying guns due to mental illness or domestic violence; increased workforce for the FBI to process background checks, hiring more than 230 new examiners; congress being asked to invest $500m to improve access to mental healthcare in the US; and lastly the departments of Defense, Justice and Homeland Security exploring “smart gun technology” to improve gun safety.
Obama’s address was filled with emotion- the President wiped away tears as he spoke of the tragedy that occurred three years ago. Despite numerous calls to action, the state of the country has remained the same, and gun-related violence has only increased in the US. While some states have taken action to decrease gun access, some have also increased gun rights. Meanwhile, Congress has taken no action.
Many remain hopeful that Obama’s plan comes into effect. However, it is unlikely that Congress will follow through and approve his measures. The issue has already become a topic for debate for the 2016 Presidential Election. Until then, the issue remains urgent, and regulation of gun access continues to attract attention.
