Reference no: EM132089857

Discussion: Control

58 individuals were killed in Las Vegas by an individual using legally purchased and retrofitted* semi-automatic rifles.

* The rifles used in the crime were fitted with "bump stocks". These legal devices use kinetic energy to effectively fire semi-automatic weapons at near automatic weapon speeds (roughly 400 rounds per minute).

Within 3 weeks, a quick search of the top trending stories in the news showed that the Las Vegas shooting was no longer being discussed at the national level. By the time the next mass shooting occurred (Nov 6, 2017, First Baptist Church, Sutherland Springs, TX, 26 killed) Vegas had faded into the background. By the time Parkland's shooting occurred (Feb 14, 2018, Stoneman H.S., Parkland, FL, 17 killed), many have completely forgotten about the First Baptist shooting.

We have entered the new normal for mass shootings.

Before I pose the question, let's look at some facts...

Yet, gun manufacturing is increasing...

This means that fewer people are buying MORE guns.

Gun Manufacturers and global revenues..

Comparatively, the US experiences a very high homicide rate by firearm...

Here's another way of looking at it:

Unfortunately, there are also mass shooting incidents...

Finally, as a dovetail on our "business sets the tone" discussion, let's examine a few ways in which the National Rifle Association (NRA - the main lobby arm of firearm manufacturers and owners) protects the interests of the firearm industry, mainly through the opposition of regulation.

NRA opposes banning of bump stocksLinks to an external site.

NRA opposes government research on gun violenceLinks to an external site.

NRA opposes background checksLinks to an external site.

NRA opposes restricting gun sales to individuals on terror watch listLinks to an external site.

NRA opposes smart gunsLinks to an external site.

NRA supports stand your ground lawsLinks to an external site.

NRA supports concealed carry without permitsLinks to an external site.

NRA supports shooting elephants

Here's the question:

Regulation is antithetical to freedom. The tension that we see in our society related to gun control is, in essence, the tension between individual freedom and regulating for societal concern. Based upon your interpretation of the issues, can our present society be simultaneously Free and Ethical? How or why not?

As you explore this topic, consider these additional thoughts: What are your opinions about organizations (such as the NRA) that support freedom at the (real/perceived) expense of society? Is the US system of lobbying - where business interests give vast sums of money to influence legislation - ethical? What about businesses that negatively impact society in other ways (such as oil and gas producers, coal companies, plastics companies, precious metals mining, etc)? Would these organizations be considered unethical simply due to the nature of their business?

Use this discussion to further explore the tension between freedom of choice, societal outcomes and ethics within the context of the US firearm debate.