A modest proposal for ending gun violence: make owning firearms a requirement | Opinion

Timothy Lynch
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In the wake of the recent tragedies in Dadeville, Alabama; Louisville, Kentucky; Nashville, Tennessee; and Uvalde, Texas − to name but four mass shootings − I’ve reassessed my own position on guns and gun control.

I used to think America’s gun laws were too lax, as we have the most liberal gun laws of all industrialized nations. I had thought that gun ownership should require a license, similar to what is needed to get behind the wheel of vehicle. I also thought that background checks should be more thorough and complete. And I could never understand why anyone needs a semi-automatic weapon, which can fire multiple rounds in the blink of an eye. But I have recently done an about-face on all that.

I now believe that our Second Amendment right to bear arms should be changed into a responsibility. Instead of the U.S. Constitution protecting what we can do, it should be changed into what we must do. Here’s my modest proposal.

Any U.S. citizen should be required, under the force of law, to own, carry and brandish a weapon. Of course, this obligation would not apply to those under 18 years of age. But once one reaches the age of adulthood in the eyes of the law, that requirement would go into effect.

Guest columnist Timothy Lynch, a professor emeritus of history at Mount St. Joseph University, writes about his modest proposal that the Second Amendment right to bear arms should be changed into a responsibility. Instead of the U.S. Constitution protecting what we can do, it should be changed into what we must do.
Guest columnist Timothy Lynch, a professor emeritus of history at Mount St. Joseph University, writes about his modest proposal that the Second Amendment right to bear arms should be changed into a responsibility. Instead of the U.S. Constitution protecting what we can do, it should be changed into what we must do.

Under this new provision, every adult American would have to carry a gun at all times. One could take the sidearm off in the comfort of one’s own home. But other than that, to be a citizen in the U.S. would require you to pack heat.

With every person knowing that every other person is carrying a loaded gun, the bad guys would think twice before attempting to use their guns in the commission of a crime.

The bank robber would hesitate before giving a note to the teller to turn over the cash, because she’s got a gun as well. Grandma would be more secure with her purse as she walks to the corner grocery or church on Sunday. Since messing with her now could result in a "slug from a 45," as Humphrey Bogart might put it. And that troublesome problem of road rage. Who’s going to honk when getting "the finger" could mean someone’s trigger finger?

There would be other benefits as well. For all intents and purposes, the police would be superfluous. No one would need a cop because protection is hanging from one’s belt. Calling 911 would be replaced by dialing up AR-15.

Consequently, police could be fired with considerable savings to taxpayers. And with state and municipal governments strapped for cash, the savings would help balance government budgets. This is a win-win all the way around.

Guest columnist Timothy Lynch, a professor emeritus of history at Mount St. Joseph University, writes about his modest proposal that the Second Amendment right to bear arms should be changed into a responsibility. Instead of the U.S. Constitution protecting what we can do, it should be changed into what we must do.
Guest columnist Timothy Lynch, a professor emeritus of history at Mount St. Joseph University, writes about his modest proposal that the Second Amendment right to bear arms should be changed into a responsibility. Instead of the U.S. Constitution protecting what we can do, it should be changed into what we must do.

Of course, concealed carry laws would be obsolete. Indeed, the new law would require that one’s gun be visible at all times, not concealed. So, whether at the PTA meeting, the shopping mall, or a stroll in the park, to be in public would be to show lethal force. If you got pulled over while driving − presuming some state and local governments still had law enforcement − you would be asked to show your license, vehicle registration, proof of insurance and Uzi.

I am confident that this proposal will gain widespread support. My former state representative has already sponsored legislation that extended Ohio’s concealed carry law to include bars and restaurants which serve alcohol. He successfully moved the measure out of legislative committee to the floor of the House with an aptly phrased "discharge petition." He presumably reasoned that if you can shoot off your mouth in a tavern, you also ought to be able to shoot off your gun. Though you’d best be careful ordering a shot and a beer.

So, let’s forget about reinstituting that pesky federal assault weapons ban that was allowed to expire in 2004. Who needs it? It would only gum up the works. I don’t want my proposal to go off halfcocked.

Timothy Lynch, Ph.D., is Professor Emeritus of History at Mount St. Joseph University.

Timothy Lynch
Timothy Lynch

This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Make owning a gun something every American must do | Opinion