Everyday citizens do not need guns. Incidents like the Sandy Hook Elementary shooting should have cemented this fact into our brains long ago. However, as the Second Amendment states, it is the right of the people to bear arms. Therefore, a balance must be found between a citizen’s right to own guns and the misuse of these weapons, which causes mass destruction. Stricter laws regarding the process of legally obtaining and owning a gun must be implemented now.

Presently, getting a gun in America is relatively easy. In most states, the process of buying a gun entails showing picture I.D. ensuring the buyer to be over 18 or 21, depending on the type of gun, filling out the background check form and getting approval from the National Instant Criminal Background Check System.

Additionally, almost half of the guns in America are bought from private owners, for example, at gun shows or online. When buying privately, the person buying the gun is merely required to pay for the gun and can then be on his way; no background check needs to be performed and no form needs to be filled out.

So what has to change?

First and foremost, a psychological exam needs to be mandatory when buying a gun. Most people who went on mass killing sprees were later shown to have mental illnesses. However, since there is no required mental exam that needs to be administered, someone who is suffering from a mental illness can buy as many guns as he wants, as long as he passes the background check.

Secondly, technology needs to be developed so that the only person who can fire a particular gun is the person who bought that gun. This would prevent people from stealing guns or buying them off of private sellers because the gun simply would not work for them.

Furthermore, harsher punishment needs to be given when someone is caught lying on the background check. In 2010, only 44 percent of those caught lying on their background checks were charged with a crime. Currently, if someone is denied a weapon because of a failed background check, he is free to walk out the door and buy a gun from a private seller. New laws should include a strict punishment for background check liars who have previously committed violent felonies.

Finally, the type of gun a citizen can own should be regulated. There is no good reason for an everyday citizen to own a semi-automatic firearm. The only practical use someone could ever have for a gun is for hunting, and as a result, only hunting rifles should be available for citizens.

The Constitution clearly gives Americans the right to own a weapon, but there needs to be a limit, and it needs to be regulated.Americacannot merely engage in yet another long conversation regarding gun control. Action needs to be taken immediately or this fervor will fade and another national tragedy will be imminent.