{UAH} The Wild ,Wild West ( Something about the US Gun Culture)

The Wild, Wild West

Texas recently passed a law, September 2021, that allows almost anyone who is at least 21 years of age to legally own and openly carry firearms in public. Florida Governor, Ron DeSantis has recently expressed that he wants Florida to do so also.

"In Texas, repealing the permit altogether is a radical change," said Andrew Karwoski, a policy expert at Everytown for Gun Safety, the largest gun violence prevention organization in the country. "Just allowing almost anyone to carry a handgun in public, no questions asked, no background check or safety training, is really dangerous." Do you agree?

Yes

No

Undecided

Known as House Bill 1927, the law applies to Texans aged 21 and older and excludes people who are prohibited from legally owning a firearm, such as those convicted of a felony, assault, domestic violence or terrorist threats. Before the law went into effect, residents could carry handguns only with a license and were required to complete training, as well as pass a written exam and proficiency test. Republican supporters of the bill have argued that by removing the licensing requirement, they are removing an "artificial barrier" to residents' right to bear arms under the Constitution and ensuring more Texans have access to "the protection of themselves or their families" in public. Do you agree?

Yes

No

Undecided

Texas joins several other conservative states, such as Iowa, Tennessee, Montana, Utah and Wyoming, that have passed similar laws that allows some form of permit less carry. In more than 40 states, people can carry loaded, semi-automatic rifles in public without a license or training. Five states, including California and the District of Columbia, ban the open carry of loaded long guns, while only Massachusetts, Minnesota and New Jersey require permits to openly carry long guns, according to Everytown. In 29 states, civilians can open carry loaded long guns around state capitols, according to Everytown. Are these open carry laws reasonable in a civilized country?

Yes

No

Undecided

If an individual is seen carrying a firearm at a protest or a store, there is little that law enforcement can do unless the person is acting in an illegal manner, according to Karwoski, of Everytown. "One of the reasons that open carry is so dangerous is because it's so difficult to enforce," Karwoski said. "It's hard for law enforcement when they see someone walking down the street with a military-style assault weapon to understand their intentions and respond accordingly." Should the US become an armed encampment with every public place patrolled by armed men and women to maintain civil order?

Yes

No

Undecided