For years, proposals relating to gun control and gun ownership have been among the most controversial issues of modern American politics. In the United States, the public debate about guns is often seen as two-pronged. Some people argue passionately that the Second Amendment protects an individual's right to own guns, while others argue that the Second Amendment only protects the right of states to maintain militias. Many insist that the Constitution is a “living document” and that circumstances have changed regarding the right of individuals to bear arms, guaranteed by the Second Amendment. The Constitution is not a document of complete clarity and the Second Amendment is perhaps one of the worst amendments of all and has left many Americans divided on the true intent. There is an American consensus in favor of some form of gun control. “…Firearms have been involved in two-thirds of all murders in the United States and [t]he United States leads the world's richest countries in gun deaths…murders, suicides and Accidental deaths from firearms – study finds. published by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in the International Journal of Epidemiology” (Lepore). There may be some extremely extreme people who think all guns should be banned, but most sane Americans don't think gun rights should be abolished. Americans consider self-defense the most compelling reason to own a firearm, and twenty-two percent of households own handguns in the United States. However, many believe that gun control laws should be enacted and enforced. Pro-gun extremists and the National Rifle Association (NRA) need to understand that there is a reality for many people in the uncontrolled zone...... middle of paper ...... "Why the silence of 'Obama on gun control doesn't please One.' Time.Com. February 7, 2011. Web. February 9, 2011 Carter, Gregg Lee. Firearms in American Society: A - L. Santa Barbara; ABC-CLIO, IncPrint. D'Andrilli, Stephen and Kopel, David B. "What America can learn from Switzerland is that the best way to reduce the misuse of firearms is to promote responsible possession of firearms. » GUNCITE. February 1990. Web. February 9, 2011. “Do Guns Keep You Safe? At what price? Southern Medical Journal. February 2010. Web. February 9, 2011. “Facts Gun Violence.” Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence. Internet. February 9, 2011. “European-style firearms law.” Time Europe Vol. 159 No. 19. May 13, 2002. Web. February 9, 2011. Lepore, Jill. “Why is American history so deadly?” New Yorkers. November 9, 2009. The web. February 9, 2011 “Protect Children, Not Guns 2009.” Children's Defense Fund, September 16, 2009. Web. February 9. 2011.