A controversial, multi-billion dollar war has taken the nation by storm, creating a division and tension between the two leading political parties in the United States.

Many in the Republican Party have supported the idea that all citizens should be allowed to defend themselves and their property since the National Firearms Act of 1934. Many in the Democratic Party have opposed said idea and pushed for strict gun laws and restrictions. This war is costing all of us, as hard-earned tax payers’ money is being used by both parties instead of going towards national crises.

The Democrats and Republicans have been battling it out since the creation of politics. We can solve this unnecessary spending of our valuable money by not fighting about whether or not guns kill people, but by compromising over the issues at hand. The Constitution is the bedrock of our freedoms and has been since 1789.  

There are people on both sides of the spectrum, but some are in the middle. Gun owners and anti-gun activists alike are both fighting for a cause in which they see themselves as right.

“I use my guns for home defense, personal defense, and recreational use because it’s my Constitutional right,” Mr. Scott Bloomfield said.

Trinity teacher Mr. Rob Seng said, “I don’t want to take away anyone’s rights, but I also don’t think that people need military-grade weapons.”

It is likely that there won’t be an end to this debate for quite some time. In the meantime inflation is taking its toll on the United States economy.

Bloomfield said guns are essential to everyday life and protection: “I think it’s stupid that the government is trying to disarm its people. The best way to control a large group of people is by taking away their rights little by little.  I feel it’s necessary to carry a gun mainly because you don’t know what people are going to do. One second you could be walking down the street, and the next second, someone could run up on you. It’s better to have it and not need it than to need it and not have it.”

Local police officers have commented on gun laws and the effects on their jobs. Many have said the same thing — that loose gun laws have both helped and hurt local communities.

An anonymous officer said, “In the neighborhoods where people can afford to protect themselves, calls of crime have decreased over the years. But when you look at the (less affluent) neighborhoods, crime has gone up because people aren’t able to protect themselves properly.”

Many around the country and locally are pro Second Amendment (“the right to bear arms”), but let’s look at some statements from those against guns.

Some comments I heard from those who did not want to use their names:

• “I think that guns, violence, and war should not still be in existence. I believe that we can all get along in some way, shape, or form without the use of weapons.”
• “My father always told me the dangers of guns and what they can and will do to people.”
•  “My neighbors are all dear friends of mine, and I believe that if a situation ever came about, then they would help me in any way possible. I feel most neighbors would do that, doesn’t matter where you’re from.”

A statement from a passionate gun owner:

• “I was always taught to take my own fate into my hands, not to rely on others for my personal safety. Statistics have shown that it takes about 15 minutes for law enforcement to get to your location, doesn’t matter where you are. When talking bullets and blades, it’s best to arm yourself against the inevitable.”

When asked about “ghost guns” (firearms without serial numbers), a law enforcement officer said, “We don’t really see very many cases where there will be a homicide using an unregistered gun. All guns have a distinct mark they leave at any crime scene; it makes it a lot easier to trace a gun back to its owner.”

House Bill 101 allows for the regulation of anything having to do with guns, and some gun owners in Louisville see this as a problem.

Bloomfield said, “House Bill 101 makes it harder for someone to get a gun, mainly because (Louisville Mayor Greg) Fischer is an anti-gun activist and has cracked down on illegal gun activity.”

The National Rifle Association has previously stated that America is a war zone of crime and terror. Some say they’re right; some say they’re not. It really depends on how you were raised and how you continue to live.

Both sides of this war have very good points and while the United States of America has in its history been known for rebellion, this battle needs to be dealt with through compromise.

The opposing groups have interesting mottos to express their views:

One pro-gun group called the Three Percenters is known for saying, “When tyranny becomes law, rebellion becomes duty.”

The other, a coalition to stop gun violence, has the motto “Imagine a future free from gun violence.”

This multi-billion dollar war is a crack in a nation that cannot afford to be divided — and needs to spend its time and money on working together.