Opinion | A Message To The Oldest Democracy, From The Largest: Stop Gun Violence

The recent visuals of the shooting at a rally for Donald Trump and the injury he suffered have sent shockwaves across the globe, including India. There is no place for this kind of violence in a democratic society. Both India and the US share a deep commitment to democratic values, and it is this shared commitment that brings us closer together. As an Indian, I find it deeply troubling to witness such acts of violence in a country that has long been a beacon of democracy and freedom. The incident at the Trump rally, where shots were fired and chaos ensued, highlighted a grim reality-that gun violence can strike at the very heart of democracy.

India and the US have much in common. Both nations are built on the foundation of democratic principles and have a long history of upholding the rule of law and human rights. Our countries have thrived on the strength of our diverse societies and the resilience of our democratic institutions. India, the world's largest democracy, has faced its own challenges, but we have always strived to maintain peace and order within our borders. The U.S., as the world's oldest democracy, has been a role model for nations around the globe. This deep respect and commonality of democratic values make it all the more essential for us to address issues that threaten these values.

America's Social Issues

While it is yet to be fully understood what actually transpired at the rally and why it happened, this incident highlights the urgent need to address underlying societal issues in the US. As someone who believes in the promise of American democracy, I am compelled to speak out. It is high time that America takes decisive action on gun control.

The issue of gun control has been a topic of national debate in the US for decades. Since the assassination of President John F. Kennedy in 1963, there have been numerous calls for stricter gun laws. Despite these calls, little has been done to address the root causes. The tragic incidents at malls, schools, hospitals, and other public places have instilled fear not only in the hearts of Americans but also in the global community. The perception of safety in America has been significantly altered, and this is a matter of grave concern.

According to data from the Gun Violence Archive, there were over 600 mass shootings in the US in 2022 alone. The country has one of the highest rates of gun violence in the world, with more than 45,000 gun-related deaths reported in the same year. These figures are alarming and underscore the urgent need for comprehensive gun control measures. The Second Amendment of the U.S. Constitution, which protects the right to bear arms, has been interpreted in ways that allow for widespread gun ownership. However, it is crucial to balance this right with the need to ensure public safety.

The Powerful Gun Lobby

One of the key reasons for the lack of significant gun control legislation in the US is the powerful lobby of arms manufacturers. The National Rifle Association (NRA) and other pro-gun organisations have a significant influence on American politics. Their lobbying efforts have thwarted numerous attempts to pass meaningful gun control laws. It is imperative to question whether the freedom to own guns is genuinely about protecting individual liberties or whether it is driven by the interests of the arms industry.

Many other democracies around the world have implemented strict gun control measures with positive results. Countries like Australia, the UK, and Japan have shown that it is possible to significantly reduce gun violence through sensible legislation. These nations have demonstrated that public safety can be prioritised without infringing on individual freedoms.

The US must acknowledge that the world is changing. There is an increasing number of people dealing with mental health issues and other personal struggles. In the absence of adequate support systems, some individuals may resort to violence as a means of expression. The availability of guns only exacerbates this problem, leading to tragic consequences that leave lasting scars on families and communities.

For The People And Society

As a citizen of India, a friendly democracy, I appeal to the greater conscience of the American people, political leaders, and society at large. It is time to enforce gun control measures that will protect innocent lives. The time to act is now. How many more lives must be lost before meaningful change is implemented?

In conclusion, the US stands at a crossroads. The decisions made today will shape the future of the nation. It is imperative to prioritise the safety and well-being of all citizens. By enacting comprehensive gun control measures, America can demonstrate its commitment to democratic values. As a friend and admirer of American democracy, I urge the US to take bold steps towards a safer and more just society.

(Rituraj Sinha is National Secretary, BJP, and an alumni of Harvard University Kennedy School of Government)

Disclaimer: These are the personal opinions of the author