Among such prevalent stalemates as gay rights and abortion, which I support and am pro-choice in respectively, I've always found the issue of gun control to be particularly interesting, as it is one of the few partisan conflicts (sans economic policy) where my generally liberal ideology is put at odds. Gun control brings into question the very definition of a firearm, whether it be an object of self defense or outward aggression. While I would idealistically prefer that such an object was never put into existence, when in the hands of moral and mentally stable individual a gun may be very beneficial to one's safety.
While still rather conflicted on my position, I hold the belief that those with violent intentions generally make no effort to adhere to federal laws, and thus would acquire firearms just as easily if legislation were passed banning public purchase of such weapons. Conversely, common citizens would be deprived a fundamental piece of defense against such aggressors, only worsening national homicide rates. Furthermore, the issue brings into question our interpretation of the Constitution, and my belief that such a ban would serve as an infringement on individual rights was exemplified in the 2008 dismissal of a firearm ban in the District of Columbia.
This standpoint may reflect a portion of my father's libertarian influence on my personal beliefs, and further underscores my ambivalence regarding the extent of individualism that should be tolerated by the federal government. Hopefully my belated post may be excused, I was away for the weekend and wasn't given sufficient time to make a proper entry.
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