In the aftermath of the D.C. metro sniper shootings, our ever-faithful President George W. Bush has declared that gun fingerprinting would be going against the rights of gun owners in America.
Fingerprinting guns requires gun makers to enter into a database the distinct markings that each gun leaves on a test-fired bullet casing.
Police could then refer to these files when investigating a case. This could decrease the number of unsolved mysteries because every firearm would have been recorded in a national catalog.
Despite the fact that two snipers rampaged the nation’s capital and a myriad of other states, Bush is still against activating this policy.
Why would the man who is supposed to be protecting the United States be opposed to this law?
Because he feels that it would be going against the right that law-abiding citizens have to tote weapons. Because he doesn’t think the system would be precise and dependable when dealing with an important case.
How can it be okay to sacrifice the lives of those dying by gun-related incidents in order to salvage the privileges gun-owners desire?
Those possessing weapons should be willing to give up some of their rights for the betterment of the whole. Otherwise, they are being very selfish and allowing innocent people to die without being avenged.
O.K., so maybe the system won’t be airtight at first, but it will be better than nothing. I would feel much safer knowing that our government is on the road toward safety, as opposed to just sitting like a bug in a rug doing nothing.
Currently, there are only two states – New York and Maryland – that require gun-makers to enter such information into a registry.
Some opponents of the law believe that no matter how many laws are enacted, demented people will still do demented things.
That is correct, but at least there will be more regulations that would make it easier to capture them.
If the weapon the sniper used had been registered, the bullet casings found near the crime scene or in the victim could have been matched quicker.
Sure not all weapons will be enlisted. Sure not all crimes will be solved immediately by this registry.
At least it will be one giant step toward protecting mankind. President Bush needs to take a long look in the mirror and think if he is really willing to continue letting guns be sold without tracking them.
One day, someone might shoot a person Bush knows.
Will he regret not enacting the law then?
Dominique Drake, 18, is a freshman business student from Cleveland. She is The Famuan’s assistant opinions editor. She can be reached at ddidis1@aol.com.