The problem

Gun control is nothing more than a means for the government to control more of our lives. It makes it more difficult for law abiding citizens to purchase a firearm and fuels the black market industry.

Gun control does little, if anything, to thwart violent crimes. In fact, it makes it more difficult for innocent civilians to protect themselves and their families from criminal intrusions. Criminals obtain firearms through black market transactions; very rarely legally. This means criminals are avoiding what gun control laws were built to protect against. It hits innocent civilians the hardest.

Are gun control laws in violation of people's civil liberties? It most certainly is a violation of our Constitution. Owning a gun is not a crime. Gun control laws do nothing more than anticipate possible crimes; as the adage reads, "Guns do not kill people. People kill people."

Logic maintains that by controlling gun sales, the government must also control knife sales, along with Tylenol or Advil sales, because in the right circumstances, they can all be used to kill.

Many studies indicate that by criminalizing an act, it becomes more prevalent; in fact, a study by James Wright and Peter Rossi ("A Survey of Felons and Their Firearms") suggests that legal, civilian ownership of guns can help to prevent some crime. Families have the right to protect themselves; we need to abolish gun control laws.

The solution

• End gun control laws; let families protect themselves from this nation's criminals.