Gun Control

Gun Control is the act of regulating the sale and use of firearms. The issue has been one of the most controversial in American politics, with ongoing arguments over the extent to which the 2nd Amendment of the Bill of Rights allows the control and licensing of firearms.

On May 20, 2009, the U.S. House of Representatives voted to allow guns in National Parks by a margin of 279 to 147, including 27 Democrats in favor. The measure was an amendment to a landmark bill creating new regulations on the credit card industry, though the bill was split in order to allow liberal House members to vote for the gun amendment separately.Huffington post: House Passes GOP Amendment To Allow Guns In National Parks (May 20, 2009)

The Second Amendment says, "A well regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed."

Advocates of stricter gun control measures usually look at the first part of the second amendment and argue that the gun control for individuals does not effect the militia or military. Pro-gun groups such as the National Rifle Association counter that the second part of the amendment is most important, and that every individual has the right to bear arms.

The U.S. Supreme Court took the case District of Columbia vs. Heller in 2008, a was a challenge to the Washington, D.C. handgun ban. The court decided that a ban on handgun for private use violates the 2nd Amendment.

Purchases of guns have rapidly increased since President-elect Barack Obama was elected in November 2008, reportedly because many people believe Obama will focus on stronger gun control legislation. Obama, however, has recently said he supports the Supreme Court decision in District of Columbia vs. Heller and the Second Amendment.Fox News: Obama Driving Surge in Gun Sales, Firearms Groups Say (January 16, 2009) He has supported some legislation on stronger gun control in the past.On the Issues: Barack Obama on Gun Control

"I will not take your shotgun away. I will not take your rifle away. I won't take your handgun away."— Obama during his campaign for president in 2008Fox News: Obama Driving Surge in Gun Sales, Firearms Groups Say (January 16, 2009)

Attorney General Eric Holder has stated that the Obama administration is seeking to reinstate the assault weapons ban, which expired in 2004. Maintaining a campaign promise, Obama will make a few minor adjustments to gun laws, one of which is to reinstitute the ban on assault weapons.ABCNews: Obama to Seek New Assault Weapons Ban (February 25, 2009)

• The Hartford Courant: Is gun control back? Did it ever go away? (April 23, 2007)

• The Colbert Report: Better Know a Lobby - Gun Control (Time 6:29)