Gun Control Websites

Pro-gun control - Coalition to Stop Gun Violence http://csgv.org/

This group aims to "to secure freedom from gun violence through research, strategic engagement and effective policy advocacy". Meaning that they aren't against people owning guns, just that those that do need to be more responsible and trained, and laws that actually protect citizens as well as laws that limit the power and effects of the gun industry.

Unlike groups such as 'Stop the NRA', this group and website come across in a much calmer manner, not so "in your face" as such. The website itself is set out in a way that makes it easy to read and understand, and their language used is sophisticated and simple. Their major points are as followed:

1. Universal Background Checks - Making them more thorough and a requirement every time
2. Opposing the NRA "insurrectionist" ideology - Protecting the Constitution
3. Automatic/Semi-automatic weapons off the streets
4. Stop Guns in Public
5. Ensure Micro-stamping is used throughout the industry
6. Counter-marketing
7. "Stand your ground" Laws - Opposing NRA-drafted laws
8. Stopping protection for the Industry

It's interesting that they aren't actually fighting to stop guns completely. They make some legitimate options for the industry to utilise, such as micro-stamping, which allows police to track criminals based on bullet casing. I agree with all of their points, however a strong argument can be made that the safest thing to do is to get rid of guns in public entirely.

Anti-gun control - Gun Owners of America http://gunowners.org/

This group looks to preserve and defend the Second Amendment. GOA sees the right to bear arms as a fundamental freedom issue. GOA's stance is to "never compromise" and not to accept the status quo. However, it is interesting to note that this group makes efforts to differentiate itself from the NRA, publicly criticising them for "selling out" and compromising on gun rights issues.

Their primary concern is protecting the Second Amendment and their rights as Americans, seeing firearm ownership as a "freedom issue". Does this help to actually protect the victims of gun crime? The examples they list on the website of victories, are victories concerning closure of gun clubs and ranges and protecting them. Also, on the website they have a "Just for skeptics" page which tries to disprove anti-groups. However, all of the articles used are 6 years out of date and don't really do anything to convince myself they are right. They don't seem to acknowledge that, just because their member are "law abiding citizens" with guns, there are those who aren't. They don't see the bigger issue. The argument that it is their right is correct, however that has to have some limitations when it comes to endanger others, like every right has.