CORRECTION: In a previous version of this column, the requirement for background checks in states was misstated. The Daily Orange regrets this error.

After the recent shooting in Aurora, Colo., and attempted “copycat” shootings in Maine and Maryland, Americans should pause and consider the need for tighter restrictions on firearms.
 Guns are far too easy to purchase and need to be kept away from those who are unqualified to use them. In mainstream America, there’s still no overwhelming desire to reconsider how many restrictions are imposed when purchasing guns.

While there are a great variety of opinions on gun control, most can agree these three men — whose mental state has been called into question — should never have been sold guns in the first place. Colorado is one of several states to impose few limitations on gun buyers.

Unless Americans acknowledge a problem in their gun control system, little will change. A 2011 Gallup poll shows only 43 percent of Americans want stricter gun control. Holmes’ guns were all purchased legally. One had a 100 round rifle magazine.

The National Rifle Association, along with other gun freedom advocates writes off incidents like the Colorado shooting by blaming the individual. In their views, individual irresponsibility with guns should not prevent other Americans from owning guns. This argument fails to understand any deeper connection among gun crimes and ignores a pattern of irresponsible individuals owning and misusing guns.

The public does not benefit from those who maintain a hard line position, which regards any restrictions of gun access to be burdensome. At a point, regulations have to be enacted to prevent irresponsible people from owning guns so that are all safer. Even NRA members support further restrictions.

According to a Frank Luntz poll, 74 percent of members believe background checks should be required when buying a gun. About 87 percent of Americans support criminal background checks. Yet states, including Colorado, do little more than comply with the federal background check requirement. This is an example of a public policy that does not reflect an overwhelming consensus.

A nationwide assault rifle ban needs to be enacted to prevent future deaths from weapons designed to inflict massive harm. Assault rifles and large magazines with many rounds of ammunition serve no legitimate purpose but to kill. The use of guns for enjoyment, self defense or the supposed “sport” of hunting can be done with less destructive weapons.

Restricting civilian access could potentially increase the safety of law enforcement officers who are often outgunned with automatic weapons.

If we can agree we want to prevent irresponsible people from owning guns, we can move forward to develop a policy that benefits public safety. The possibility of tragedies won’t reduce if nothing is done.

Harmen Rockler is a senior newspaper journalism and political science major. His column appears weekly. He can be reached at horockle@syr.edu.

Published on July 29, 2012 at 2:40 pm