In the state of California there has been two shootings back to back within in a week. In Fresno, a hate crime was suspected due to the three families loved ones being shot. Prior to this, a school shooting in San Bernardino took place. Gun violence is a problem our nation faces with many different opinions.
Last Tuesday, WPSU hosted a screening, which was open to all, of “Armor of Light” followed by a panel discussion in regard to gun violence and religion. The discussion allowed the audience to ask questions and let their voices be heard.
From the video screening and discussion, it has been concluded that our nation needs to discuss gun control- rather than avoid the topic. Simply, there are two opposing viewpoints on this matter.
People who are pro-gun feel, such as Robert Guzzo a Centre County resident, as if their second amendment is being attacked. Guzzo firmly believes in gun ownership rights.
“I don’t believe in taking the guns of American citizens. I feel that gun control is necessary, but guns in the right hands are not the killers, guns in the wrong hands are the killers.” Said Guzzo.
This local is a gun owner, but he keeps his supply locked away in a safe with a strict passcode so no one can obtain them. If he is ever in a harmful situation, Guzzo claims he feels safe knowing that he would be able to defend himself.
Thus, if someone has a license to carry it changes everything when it comes to gun control. This changes opinions for American citizens when it comes to gun policy.
As for another local, Maddy Maggs has a different argument. She feels access to a gun could lead to more suicides and homicides.
“I just think in my opinion, in my point of view, I think that guns should just not be readily available for people who don’t know how to use them and are not intending on using them for the correct purpose.” Said Maggs.
Currently, Maggs is in the process of signing petitions to ban guns and/or create stricter laws.
Even though both Centre County residents have completely different thoughts, they do understand each other’s own opinion and why they feel the way they do. And this is exactly what WPSU’s goal was for the talk last Tuesday.
Gary Dull, Pastor of the Faith Baptist Church, was a panelist at the WPSU talk. Dull is more than willing to talk to anyone about gun control.
“There’s a great chasm between those who are gun owners and those who are anti-gun. And I think that if we were able to bring forth into the community a dialogue like we’ve had tonight, that we would be able to come up with greater areas of agreement- rather than separation.” Said Pastor Dull.
All in all, we are all human and are all different. For more information on control please visit: https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2015/10/07/us/gun-control-explained.html?_r=0