Israel's gun laws a good model
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There are two subjects previously referenced about gun control that I would like to address: one is the Second Amendment; the other, Wayne LaPierre of NRA’s suggestion that armed guards in all schools is proper, referencing a similar action by Israel.
The U.S. Constitution, specifically the Second Amendment, has been quoted, but not the entire sentence. Yes, it is only one sentence long. The amendment reads, “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.”
This implies that bearing arms was intended for the sole purpose of providing a “well-regulated militia.” We have a military for this purpose, and the only ones that I know who want their own militias are right-wing extremist hate movements such as the Kentucky State Militia, Ohio Unorganized Militia Assistance, Southeastern Ohio Defense Force, Michigan Militia, Southern Indiana Regional Militia, etc. These are all armed paramilitary groups with an anti-government, conspiracy-oriented ideology.
Those who wish to bear arms for peaceful purposes such as target practice, safe and appropriate sports (hunting) or valid reasons should have the right to do so. That does not include military-style weapons or large magazines.
This brings me to Israel’s civilian use of firearms. Armed guards were placed in schools there because of the threat by terrorists such as Hamas and Hezbollah. We have neither here. In a recent column, Nathan Guttman, a Washington, D.C., columnist, presented some facts about Israel’s gun-control laws. Among them: Gun ownership in Israel is not a “right” but a “privilege,” given to those few who can demonstrate genuine need for possessing firearms.
Government requirements include: minimum age of 27, basic knowledge of Hebrew, a clean criminal record, a Ministry of Health certification of physical and mental capability. Further, demonstrating a genuine need would include living or working in or near the West Bank, or being a civilian security guard or a member of certified gun club. Finally, the license must be renewed every three years. Gun owners must practice in a shooting range before receiving their license or renewal. Reportedly 80 percent of applications are denied.
Gun possession in Israel is 7.3 per 100 citizens, compared with 88.8 per 100 in the U.S. What is the result of Israel’s gun laws compared with the U.S.? They are more than striking. Gun-related violence in Israel is internationally low, with a death rate of 1.86 for 100,000 compared with 10.3 in the U.S.
Israeli authorities claim that low crime rates have to do with firearms not ending up in the wrong hands. With better control over guns, the number of violent crimes decreases.
I suggest that a significantly restricted licensure system be instituted, which would result in fewer guns in public. And to be approved, far more intense requirements would make our country safer, with less fear of some lunatic with a gun running around.
Israeli authorities are actually leaning toward further limitations rather than relaxing regulations. Guns kill people because someone who should not have a weapon does.
Given that 40 percent of all U.S. domestic sales are from private owners and have no requirements such as background checks, I would suggest that this should be the first loophole that is closed. Reduce the guns in public and employ tougher and logical restrictions on authorization, and we will see a decrease of innocent kids and adults being slaughtered.
Bob Woolf lives in Nashville.
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