President Biden’s latest executive order to tackle the gun crisis in America has been criticized by some as being weak and empty. The order promises to increase the number of background checks, improve public awareness, increase the appropriate use of extreme risk protection orders and safe storage of firearms, and address the loss or theft of firearms during shipping. While these are all positive steps, they require more consultation and encourage Congress to pass stricter gun laws, something that the Republican-led House of Representatives has shown no desire to do. Given that they are the biggest recipients of gun donations, it is not surprising that they would be resistant to any measures that might restrict gun ownership.
One of the main criticisms of the executive order is that a right-wing Supreme Court can easily overturn any measures put in place by the Biden administration. This is a concern, given that the current Supreme Court has a conservative majority and has shown a willingness to strike down gun control laws. Therefore, any real change in gun policy would require action from Congress and a shift in public opinion.
However, it is important to note that some positive elements of the executive order will have a real impact. For example, the order includes provisions to help catch shooters by accelerating federal law enforcement’s reporting of ballistics data. This could make it easier to identify and apprehend perpetrators of gun violence, potentially saving lives. Additionally, the order seeks to improve federal support for gun violence survivors, victims, and their families, as well as first responders to gun violence and communities affected by gun violence. This is a much-needed measure, as the impact of gun violence extends far beyond the immediate victims and can have long-lasting effects on communities.
It is also worth noting that President Biden’s heart is in the right place on this issue. The United States averages 1.6 mass shootings per day, and something needs to be done to address this crisis. However, without the support of Congress and a willingness to enact stronger gun control measures, any executive order will have a limited impact.
The issue of gun violence in America is a complex and contentious one, with strong opinions on both sides of the debate. On the one hand, there are those who believe that the Second Amendment guarantees the right to bear arms and that any attempt to restrict gun ownership is an infringement on that right. On the other hand, there are those who believe that the current state of gun violence in America is unacceptable and that stricter gun control measures are necessary to protect citizens.
While it is true that the Second Amendment guarantees the right to bear arms, it is also true that the Constitution is a living document that can be amended and updated to reflect changing social norms and values. It is important to recognize that the Founding Fathers could not have foreseen the level of gun violence that exists in modern-day America and that the Second Amendment was written in a different time and context.
Without the support of Congress and a willingness to enact stronger gun control measures, any executive order will have a limited impact. It is time for Congress to take action on this issue and enact stronger gun control measures to protect citizens and reduce gun violence in America.
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