Beto O’Rourke Has the Best Plan For Gun Violence

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Robert Crohan/Contributing Writer

Out of all the 2020 presidential aspirants, Rep. Beto O’Rourke has the best plan for the gun violence epidemic in this country. If only his opponents knew history and facts and took up the perspectives of their constituents.

On Tuesday, Oct. 15, the major Democratic candidates for the 2020 presidency debated for the fourth time in Cleveland, Ohio. Issues ranging from health care coverage to the oversight of major tech companies were discussed, but a major issue received particular attention: gun control.

Former Rep. Beto O’Rourke, a minor contender in the race, supports a mandatory buyback on assault weapons (which would require owners to turn in their weapons) like the AR-15 and AK-47, while increasing pressure on the National Rifle Association and supporting background checks on all aspiring gun owners, among other things. 

Although I don’t plan to vote for him in the primary (but would love to see him as a pick for Vice President), he is by far my favorite candidate when it comes to the gun violence epidemic in our country. His plan addresses its causes, as well as a tested way to quell it. By talking to voters from all sides of the aisle and taking the fight to all its elements, he has used it to rebuild his campaign and energize the Democratic base to demand action.

However, the reception has not exactly been warm. A heated exchange erupted at the debate when South Bend, Indiana Mayor Pete Buttigieg fired back at O’Rourke, calling his plan “confiscation” and chastising him for not elaborating on his plan. Alabama Sen. Doug Jones called it “a wrong message.” Many on the right have pounced on it as an example of what the Left “really” wants.

The gun issue has been elevated as an important topic in the primary, especially among young people. Many, myself included, attribute the March For Our Lives movement with energizing Democratic voters in the 2018 midterms, where the House of Representatives flipped from the Republicans.

We in South Florida know very well the cost of gun violence, following the Parkland Massacre last February. In fact, 57% of US teens are either “very worried” or “somewhat worried” about potential shootings at their school, according to Pew Research Center. College students in particular feel vulnerable, given that most campuses are not as secure as many would like, as demonstrated by shootings at universities in Virginia, Louisiana and elsewhere.

O’Rourke’s plan seems to be a logical solution to the epidemic without infringing upon our Second Amendment rights: handguns, which are designed merely for defense, would be allowed for those who pass background checks. Just look at Australia: according to Vox, after the Port Arthur massacre of 1996, sweeping gun reforms were passed, reducing the number of gun homicides by over 42%.

Although Buttigieg brings up a fair point – that action is urgent and he doesn’t need “lessons” from O’Rourke – he hasn’t demonstrated to the same extent how he will control the crisis, at least in debate. It’s worth noting O’Rourke rushed to his hometown of El Paso and comforted his people – who may very well end up being his constituents again – while discussing the best path going forward with them. All of the other Democratic candidates support mandatory background checks and standing up to the NRA, but only Sen. Kamala Harris and Sen. Cory Booker support an O’Rourke-style buyback.

The primaries are still months away, but the Democrats have a lot of time to get ready. Hopefully, more will follow in O’Rourke’s footsteps and take the initiative in protecting our fellow Americans.

 

DISCLAIMER:

The opinions presented within this page do not represent the views of PantherNOW Editorial Board. These views are separate from editorials and reflect individual perspectives of contributing writers and/or members of the University community.

Featured photo from Flickr.

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