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Guns and cars are different
The article, ‘guns and cars are different’ was written by Jacob Macleod, who was a student at Wright State University. Jacob wrote the article to respond to Nicholas Kristof, who was a New York Times columnist on his book ‘Our blind Spot about Guns.’ Kristof tries to find a sensible gun regulation procedure by comparing guns to cars. Kristof argues that the regulation of guns would help reduce the number of deaths caused by guns. Kristof says that just as the government regulated the use of cars to reduce accidents, it should apply the same procedure to regulate guns. Jacob responds to Kristof’s idea by first agreeing with him. However, he does not agree with Kristof’s opinion that all regulations which have been imposed on cars have made them safe. Jacob also disputes Kristof by saying that not all regulations on guns may have a positive outcome.
Based on Jacob’s idea that not all regulations on cars made them safer, I support his view. One regulation on cars was the installation of speed governors, which limited the speed of the car to 55 miles per hour. However, even after this regulation was put into practice, accidents were still being witnessed though in a smaller percentage. The speed governors played a significant role in reducing the rate at which cars were involved in accidents. Though a subtle regulation, it was not as effective as it was thought to be.
Further, research conducted by the University of California shows that some states increased their speed limit from 55 to 66. As a result of the increased speed limit, traffic fatality rates decreased from 55 to 30 percent in 30 years. Although people may see it that low speed promotes safer driving, research and experience have proved otherwise, and the same case may apply to the regulation of guns.
Gun control may guarantee few deaths as it is thought that more guns lead to more death. However, Jacob does not agree, and he says that a journal written by Gary Maser, who is an advocate shows that murder cases in many states have no relation to the number of guns owned by people. Moreover, in this case, Jacob Proves Kristof wrong. Jacob says that research conducted in the United States of America shows that Increased crime rates are witnessed in areas with a high number of gun ownership. Further, crime rates in the United States decreased as gun ownership increases. Researchers have proved that there is a controversy in the notion that increased guns reduce crime. Jacob’s view that not all regulations have productive and positive outcomes, as Kristof suggests is meaningful. However, it should be noted that Jacob uses the word ‘not all’ meaning that some regulations are effective.
In conclusion, Kristof is correct to say that gun regulation may help reduce crime rates. His idea may apply in the case where gun ownership is regulated in such a way that insane people do not own guns. Criminals and suspected murders should also not own guns. However, based on research and experiences, not all of Kristof’s ideas should be put into practice. I agree with the idea of checking backgrounds to ensure no illegal ownership of guns just as Jacob agrees. The idea of lower speed and locks on triggers may not be useful just as Jacob argues. Regarding research and experiences, it can be seen that some regulations have no effect and therefore, should not be practiced.
Work citedhttps://www.coursehero.com/file/p1iol47/Does-the-text-remind-you-of-any-other-texts-Does-the-text-support-or-challenge/ work retrieved from Jacob MacLeod’s article “Guns are cars are different.”