Legal Issues

I attempt to analyze an article by New York Times columnist Bob Herbert (Kleck) in which he advocates gun control and does so with suitable references and statistical data.
THE ARGUMENTS
     Herbert begins his piece with small tit-bits of incidents and news headlines which show how dangerous carrying a gun could be. It is well established that the most prone age towards gun related hazards is childhood and teenage. Apart from that the article doesnt deal much with the adult psychology behind carrying misusing a gun. When he gives the example of Jacob Larson, he makes it clear that it is because of the boys carelessness that the boy dies. Further, all these deathssuicideshomicides happen due to lack of knowledge and lack of guidance.  From there he treads on to how America is unconcerned or unperturbed about the horror gun-violence in inflicting on the country. He says that the violence is aggravated due to the widespread availability of guns in the country.
From there, he takes examples of bizarre incidents where mentally unstable people are on a killing spree. He gives example of Phil Spector, who kills actress Lana Clarkson. One needs to understand that he could have killed her through other means as well the non-presence of gun wouldnt have helped much. Of course, Herbert explains this well when he terms guns as easily available.
Again, he takes the example of John Muhammed and Lee Malvo. He makes a strong point here where he says that their least concern was to get a semiautomatic rifle. This makes sense as this is the root of the problem. When we advocate gun-control, what we forget is that there are still places means to get a gun easily.

MOVING FROM HOMICIDES 
Herberts gradual progression to the other areas of concern is apt and much needed. The article becomes a bit heavy on homicides and ignorant murders.
His statistical evidence is strong and makes for a gripping point. He says that more than 12,000 people are murdered annually in the U.S.
He interestingly points out that many murders also take place due to shooting by the Police. When such a point is risen, it makes one think about how safe heshe is when the custodian is charged of such a heavy crime. So how does one account to be safe By carrying a gun himself Probably, Herbert wouldnt like the idea at all.
He then takes in stride the issue of medical insurance and expenses. While there are murders happening at one point, there are victims who lead a painful life. This very strongly holds reason for gun-control. But, again one cannot base hisher opinion on such mishaps.

AMBIGUITIES -
He again comes around to advocate for teenagers and childrens death. This seems to me a very microscopic view of the entire issue. Though I agree and understand that children and teenagers are most prone to gunshots and mishaps, there is certain thought which should be given to this area. If it is children or teenagers who are more prone to the evils of the gun, we need to understand the reason why. Clearly the article doesnt delve into the same much. It just moves in roundabout manner to blame how the gun is killing everyone mindlessly. It just becomes a transfer epithet. The people are not blamed much but the steel cold weapon is.

OMMISSIONS -
Undoubtedly, the most important thing to be done is to understand what leads to such incidents and mishaps. One very important issue is the mindset of people. Of course, teenagers and children suffer from great insecurity and problems which lead them to such bizarre step. It is unquestionable that the society has changed, and its due course has made mankind savage and indifferent. This indifference causes major accidents. What Herbert argues for is valid, but owing to his journalism background, he sways too much in favor of facts and figures.
 
ALTERNATIVES -
Herberts article is something which will raise many eyebrows but then it stops at that. Nothing or nobody will stop these gunfights or mishaps. What is further more interesting is to note that if the widespread availability of guns are restricted, what will happen to civilians If the miscreants know that their victims are helpless, they will continue the killing spree, perhaps more brutally than ever. What is important thus, is to understand that there should be stringent laws, which make a civilian powerful but at the same time more careful. Guns should not be available to everyone. Also the bullets should be licensed and there should be thorough checking system to know where every bullet is going.

Herbert makes a very interesting read, especially when he mentions about the vigilance about shampoos in airports and the carelessness about guns and arms. This article seems a bit heavy on statistics and incidents and a bit weak on reasoning.