The old saying goes, "Live by the sword, die by the sword." The euphemism that suggests that anyone who lives a life where violence is a means of survival will ultimately meet their end with violence. The idea is contemporary with our modern society, where many Americans oppose private firearm ownership in the face of a costly ongoing war and an increase in random shooting massacres and gun-related deaths. fire. However, in the ongoing and emotional debate over the right to bear arms, many Americans might also tell you that the most important part of living by the sword is living. Those who support the right to bear arms argue that not only is firearm ownership an inherited right of American citizens, but it is necessary in a country that ranks among the highest in the world for firearm-related deaths. Between questionable policy agendas and the rise of violent crime both with and without firearms, the underlying question seems to be: Is our domestic gun policy out of control, or is it Americans themselves? In the wake of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, and the increase in killing sprees involving firearms in the United States following the Columbine massacre, the case against firearms is emotionally charged and captivating. The use of these examples has been a powerful recruiting tool in the cause against private gun ownership and in pushing for tougher legislation regulating the sale and distribution of firearms in the United States and internationally. In addition to this, Pro-Control advocates very often use startling statistics on firearm-related deaths and homicides by claiming that these incidents are a reflection of an ongoing killing spree in the United States, which remains among the top countries in world regarding firearms. deaths, ... middle of paper ... and propaganda of the need for American citizens to be armed to defend themselves from a corrupt government. The NRA has been the leading figure in anti-gun control legislation. In fact, The National Review stated in 2007 that "Democrats are not 'in charge' of Congress, at least when it comes to firearms; the National Rifle Association is." gun-related crimes and deaths and homicides have remained constant for decades. With the number of American lives lost rising and efforts to reduce gun violence proving ineffective, the radical solution of a permanent firearm ban is moving closer to a reality. However, how this will be carried out and how effective it may actually be are variables that neither side of the discussion can be sure of, but both could lead to the most serious consequences..