Americans, and all people, have the right to protect themselves and ensure their personal safety. Because guns exist, and governments and militaries have access to them, civilians must also. There are places in the world where countries function without civilians having easy access to firearms, and this could be possible for the future of the United States, but the fact is that governments and militaries have turned against their own people and they could do so in the future. I will not have citizens of this country be held powerless to this fact of history. I want peace for the United States and for the earth, but until we are closer to achieving that, access to firearms is a right for all law-abiding people. The government should be responsible and ethical in terms of it's regulations surrounding how firearms are manufactured and acquired. The policies surrounding guns and gun control is something that must be closely monitored. Policies can always be adjusted, in either direction, to be more appropriate to the culture and use of firearms. Of primary importance, is the gun violence happening in schools and involving our children. It must be stopped. And given the overall prevalence of gun violence in the United States, change is needed; but it is my belief that the current gun violence is indicative of serious domestic and social issues within the United States, and it will only change once they are addressed. These are issues of the economy, healthcare system, and social well-being of society.