It may sound crazy, but it is entirely true. In the US criminals can legally buy guns. How is this possible? One tried and true way is known as the gun show loophole and it only exists in the US. Even the most evil of serial killers would have no problem going to a gun show and grabbing as many guns and ammo as (s)he could afford for the next few killings. No problem, no questions asked, no government or judicial intervention even though there could be law enforcement crawling all over the show. Only in the US can a person who is not allowed to own guns, who has used guns illegally in the past and has been convicted of those crimes, who has no legal right to own guns, calmly walk into one of these come-and-get-'ems and walk away with enough hardware to kill to their little heart's desire.
As is clearly stated in federal statutes according to governing.com, "Under the Gun Control Act of 1968, federal law clearly defined private sellers as anyone who sold no more than four firearms per year. But the 1986 Firearm Owners Protection Act lifted that restriction and loosely defined private sellers as people who do not rely on gun sales as the principal way of obtaining their livelihood." It seems that with each passing year our federal officials are seeking better ways to weaken the few laws that actually exist regarding gun control. They have all but eliminated the waiting period required even when a background check is needed. That's how the Charlotte shooter was able to purchase his gun because it took longer than three days to perform a background check and we all know that if it takes longer than three days, the buyer surely deserves to have his gun. What could possibly go wrong if it takes more than three days, right?
But the US doesn't content itself with forcing criminals to have to get up from their couch and leave the comforts of their home to have to buy a gun for their next killing. That would be too barbaric. For a country famous for waterboarding innocent people, we can be proud of the fact that we also pamper the criminally-active members of our society. Just ask the Chattanooga shooter. According to CNN, "We're still learning the facts about what happened in Chattanooga, however, recent media reports indicate the gunman took advantage of the online gun sale loophole and purchased at least one of his firearms where he knew he could buy a gun with no background check, no questions asked." What a country.
But what if the criminal doesn't have a computer? What if they are internet-ignorant? Not to worry, Killer! Many newspapers have a handy classified section that will thrill you with their variety of weapons and accessories. Personal ads are always welcome and background checks are not required.
Do you have too many outstanding warrants for past indiscretions (like killing a bunch of folks)? Would you fail a background check in seconds? Then open up a newspaper and start calling. Haggle at your leisure since the person selling the gun obviously has a very personal reason for getting rid of it in the first place. And you can even make that rendezvous in front of your local police station. No worries. The only thing the cops can do is drool in admiration as you pay a buck fifty for that 9mm Gluck with the 100-round cartridge. After all, you're not forgetting to use your turn signal while changing lanes which can be a crime worth jailing and may wind up killing you.
While there may be more gun violence in some countries, one thing is for sure. Criminals have it the easiest in the US. Other countries require a ton of red tape, psychological tests, background checks, and superlong waiting periods. These can definitely hinder your average criminal and keep him or her from meeting that killing deadline they've set for themselves. Some countries have actually banned almost all usages of guns entirely and that would really make it hard for a criminal to get one. Other countries require criminals to go underground, deal with unsavory sellers who are criminals themselves and could turn on the buyer.
But rest assured that here in the US, you are always given ample, easy and legal means of getting that next major killing weapon. We provide plenty of ways for the criminally-minded murderers of the land to achieve their life-long dream of slaying as many humans as, well, as humanly possible.
(Note: You can view every article as one long page if you sign up as an Advocate Member, or higher).
