Global Security, Privacy, & Risk Management

“The UN, Guns, and US Constitution” – Explaning the Arms Trade Treaty July 27, 2012

Recent events in the US have once again ignited the debate over control of guns within the US.  This post is not a political debate rather an introduction to US gun issues and, more specifically, actions of the United Nations.   First, for some quick statistics.  According to the US Firearms Institute between 40% – 50% of US homes own firearms.  There are between 250 million  and 280 million firearms in the US owned by between 120 million and 150 million US citizens.  Hunting, shooting, and firearms are deeply embedded in the US culture and history.   In fact, the right to own firearms is guaranteed in the US Constitution’s 2nd Amendment which states: “A well regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed.”   As every 6th grader knows, the 2nd Amendment is part of the Bill of Rights which was passed in 1791.   While many people don’t agree with the 2nd Amendment the US Supreme Court has upheld the amendment and clarified the intent in several cases: (more…)