To Whom It May Concern:

I am a student at Henry M. Gunn Senior High School in California, and I
would like to speak out my view about gun control:

One summer day in 1988, a twelve-year-old child named Joseph Bixler stayed
at home with his thirteen years old brother. Joseph curiously searched
around the house for new toys when he finally found a loaded handgun, which
had belonged to his father. He pointed the gun at his older brother and
accidentally pulled the trigger. Tragically, Joseph killed his own
brother. This kind of incident happens everywhere, all the time in the
United States, and it is a result of no gun control. Citizens must not be
allowed to own guns at home or in the office for personal reasons.

Statistics show that in 1988, handguns killed ten times or more people in
the United States than those of in England, Canada Australia, and Israel.
In addition, as high as 46.8% of the homicides were done by handguns.
Obviously, it is an issue we must not ignore.

One may argue guns are used for self-protection, but all it can do is to
increase the danger for the owner. How many times does one expect to use a
gun in his/her lifetime? Most people can get through their lives fine
without any protection. In addition, owning a gun is a hassle. First, one
needs to learn how to use it, practice so he/she is prepared. Then he/she
needs to learn about some basic laws so he/she knows when to use it is
legal. By the time one feels comfortable with the gun, the desire to use
it is inevitable, especially in public or in front of their friends.
Lacking laws for gun control usually creates convenience for the criminals.
As soon as they know a little about their target, they will bring their
guns with them to make sure they will get away with anything without a
problem. For the victims, even if there is a gun, the chance of taking it
out, preparing it without being killed is rare. Storing a mortal weapon at
home is always dangerous. Sometimes, one does not only seek for answers by
killing other people, their loved ones, he/she is also not afraid of ending
his/her own life. Without guns, one allows oneself to think things over
and make better decisions.

Now gun violence has not only became a popular issue to talk about around
school campuses, it also brought about disasters and miseries for both the
killers’ and the victims’ families. After the astounding tragedy of
Columbine High School, gun violence becomes frequent in US high schools.
Teenagers around the national discover a new “effective” way to express
their discontent. Although most people do not intend to hurt others, but
rage, stress, hatred, and sudden impulse can blind one’s mind. Nobody can
predict what one might do with a deadly weapon, so why give him/her the
chance.

Guns can do more harm to people than they can benefit from them. Make it
fair for everyone, call 911 when help is needed; it can be safer and faster
than trying to protect oneself with guns.

Sincerely,

Ying