Guns

America is the in the hot zone of the debate on gun rights. It has been a historical discussion, with some calling for less restrictions or downright no restrictions at all, and those who want more restrictions or banning them all. Some only want to ban certain weapons like assault rifles. And with the incident over a month ago at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida, the debate has once again been thrust into the spotlight. Yesterday was of course when people around America marched in the March for Our Lives in countless cities. Before we go into the sides, lets look at how gun ownership is like in other countries around the world:

Switzerland:

They haven't had a mass shooting since 2001 when someone killed 15 people, including himself, at a local parliament. With a population of 8.3 million, Switzerland also has 2 million private guns. The overall murder rate is about 0. Switzerland also doesn't need permits for some hunting weapons. In fact, Switzerland also has an annual shooting contest for boys 13-17. How's that for gun rights? The NRA isn't wrong to point at Switzerland as a prime example of allowing for gun ownership. But the Swiss have some specific rules and regulations for gun use. Switzerland has always been involved with guns.

Of course Switzerland has one of the highest rates of gun violence in Europe. However, most of the gun deaths are suicides so you can' exactly say that guns are that bad, because people will find other ways to commit suicide. Switzerland does have some restrictions for guns because anyone who has been convicted of a crime or has an addiction to drugs and or alcohol is not allowed. Additionally, anyone with a "violent or dangerous attitude" isn't allowed to own one. Seems fair enough though, right?  Concealed-carry permits are also stricter. People are definitely allowed to keep guns at home.

Japan:

Japan has 127 million people, but has only about 10 gun deaths a year. Culture is a factor, but some say gun control is also a major factor. Japan also has a series of tests for applicants for a limited amount of guns. Japan is probably the first country to use gun laws in the whole world. Let's also look at history. After WWII, Japan entered a stage of pacifism and police carried guns after Americans made them. People were not allowed to use guns or swords but of course the restrictions have been loosened. Beyond the tests, Japanese people must also take a mental-health evaluation and pass a background check. This is standard, but one thing that separates Japan and the US is the fact that the US needs to improve its screenings and checks. However, people can only buys shotguns and air rifles. Handguns are not allowed and people will have to retake the test after three years. Yes, it definitely is a hassle that just isn't worth it for most people. Even the police are encouraged to use batons. 

However, this has lead to other forms of deadly attacks. There are countless examples of stabbings in Japan. So, does this mean that it really leads to less deaths overall per proportion? Well, Japan also does have a high suicide rate compared to the US, so honestly we can't exactly make a great comparison. 

http://www.businessinsider.com/switzerland-gun-laws-rates-of-gun-deaths-2018-2#swiss-laws-are-designed-to-prevent-anyone-whos-violent-or-incompetent-from-owning-a-gun-8
http://www.businessinsider.com/gun-control-how-japan-has-almost-completely-eliminated-gun-deaths-2017-10