Opinions on gun control as a social issue?

[Rob]

Death by gun is a more sensational story for the media so it gets a lot more coverage that DUI/car accident deaths that happen day in and day out. The motto "If it bleeds, it leads," is how our media outlets work. Gun control puts restrictions on people who legally and safely operate firearms. The people that commit these mass killings do not simply purchase these weapons at the local sporting goods store. They either get them from the streets, or "borrow" them from their parents, in the case of Sandy Hook.
I think you should cover the 2nd Amendment in your paper, and try to understand the context with which the Founding Fathers wrote it. It was provided as a right to the states and the people to keep and bear arms should the central government become to oppressive. The Supreme Court case US v. Miller covers this extensively. Although Miller did not win his case, the court did agree that the people should retain the right to bear arms similar to those used by the military should the need arise to fight against them in a state militia.
Even if you make a pro gun control argument for your paper, it should remain a states rights issue, since the 2nd Amendment says that the States shall maintain the militia, therefore it should be up to the individual state to regulate its own gun laws. The Constitution exists to protect the states and the people from the federal government and to preserve the rights of liberty, equality, and the pursuit of happiness.
Additionally the Tenth Amendment states that powers that are not granted to the United States Government, are to be retained by the states. Since the constitution does not grant the United States any further power to limit firearms, it should then be a power expressly given to each state.The federal government does not have the constitutional authority to ban any weapon that could be considered a firearm.
Good luck with your paper. I hope i provided you with some useful information. Whatever side you take, do your research and make a well argued case. Its too easy to just say guns are bad...if you think that explain why with facts and solid resources.