Gun Control Fallacy in America

Ashley Catron discusses the history of gun control in “The Fallacy of Gun Control in America” (?), a proposal argument which argues that gun control was mentioned in the Bill of Rights to protect people from tyrannical acts. Catron supports this claim by providing examples that are evident throughout the history of the United States as well as the world. Catron’s purpose is to inform individuals who do not know the historic side of gun control laws what can happen when gun laws are passed, in order to establish reasoning behind why gun control laws are absurd, as evident throughout history. The intended audiences are individuals who either support or do not support strict gun laws and Catron establishes a relationship with the audience by providing emotional examples.

We find ourselves agreeing with Catron on this matter. Catron is absolutely right that guns can protect us from those who seek to do us harm for no apparent reason. There are many individuals out there who seek to enslave a group of people or person. If these people have the option of owning a firearm, then the safety aspect of their life increases a bit. While we do agree that criminals use weapons for bad reasons, that alone is not a big enough reason to control gun ownership.

Catron provides examples of historical events to back up her claim that “defense of one’s life is an inalienable right.” First and foremost, President John Kennedy, Martin Luther King Junior, and Robert Kennedy were assassinated in the 1960’s (Catron 321). Catron implies that this in turn created the 1968 Gun Control Act “banning the interstate shipment of firearms to individuals and strengthening other licensing and regulatory measures” ( 321). Catron then goes on to describe yet another shooting in which President Ronald Reagan, James Brady, Timothy McCarthy, and Thomas Delahanty were involved and again, another gun control law was passed (Catron 322). We can’t forget to mention perhaps one of the most known events in history, the Nazi Holocaust. According to Catron “millions of unarmed Jews in Europe were slaughtered” (322) because guns were outlawed. If these individuals had guns to defend themselves, would the holocaust have happened? “The defense of one’s life is an inalienable right,” (Catron 324) and according to Catron, this right cannot be infringed (325).

Works Cited

Catron, Ashley. “The Fallacy of Gun Control Laws in America” Connections. Southlake: Fountainhead Press, 2013. Print.

Etiquette of Electronics

In “Observe Electronic Etiquette” by Michelle Singletary Engel (2012), a proposal argument, Engel suggests that the overuse of technology during unnecessary situations is an annoyance to others. Engel provides examples of annoying situations of electronic use such as on buses, trains, airplanes, movies, restaurants, during plays, and even while driving. Engel’s purpose is to inform users of technological devices that etiquette is essential in order to maintain peace and quiet. The intended audiences are those who possess technology and never thought of the etiquette that comes along with using a device in public.

We agree with Engel, as it is apparent to us how overused these devices can become. When you go to the bank you see signs that ask you not to talk on your cell phone while at the teller. When you visit a convenience store, they too ask that you not talk on your phone while being served. To us, it is rude and inconsiderate when we see people texting and driving or on their cell phones at the theater. We think Engel makes a good point when she insists that texting and driving is a dangerous habit.

“Can you hear me now?” Engel thinks about the Verizon slogan and cringes as evident in the statement “Yes, we can all hear you – and it’s extremely annoying" (311). Engel suggests that this trend will continue to get worse as airlines are now contemplating cell phone use on planes (311). What was once a dark movie theater is now lit up with glares of cellphones and blinking blue tooth’s (Engel 312). Train and bus rides are packed with discussions Engel wishes she never heard and business calls that are better left for the office (312). Engel then goes on to describe a horrid event involving David and Linda Kubert who were hit by a driver who was texting while riding on their motorcycle. Both lost a leg due to the impoliteness of the driver who hit them (Engel 313). While these devices seem appealing, like everything in life, they too deserve a set of recognized manners that are shared between users and non-users.

Works Cited

Engel, Michelle Singletary. “Observe Electronic Etiquette” Connections. Southlake: Fountainhead Press, 2013. Print.