I recall the experience of searching for an obstetrician when I was expecting my first child. I was naïve enough to think I could just find a doctor for my reproductive health. However, it turns out I needed someone specifically trained to handle childbirth—a whole different ball game.
What sets this apart from other medical fields is the potential for lawsuits. If anything goes awry during delivery, the legal repercussions can be severe. It’s a known fact that childbirth carries risks. Bringing a new life into the world is no easy feat.
While there are multiple factors contributing to the dwindling number of obstetricians, the fear of litigation and the high cost of malpractice insurance are significant contributors. We can hold a delivering physician accountable for mistakes—sometimes even years after the fact—but when it comes to those who sell semi-automatic firearms, there seems to be a different standard.
Across the United States, countless individuals argue for the necessity of firearms—be it for law enforcement, military, recreational shooting, or personal safety. This demand is certainly beneficial for gun manufacturers and retailers. Just like medicine, the gun industry is a lucrative business.
However, I propose that both gun manufacturers and retailers should be held accountable for the outcomes of their products. For instance, why does a gun need a silencer? What are we trying to mask? In my opinion, if a weapon needs to be silenced, everyone should know when it’s being used. As I teach my children, if you wouldn’t say something in public, you shouldn’t whisper it either. And what about accessories like bump stocks that allow for rapid-fire capabilities? Is it truly necessary for someone to shoot that many rounds in such a short time?
Absolutely, the individual pulling the trigger bears responsibility, but often they take their lives first, which complicates matters. The manufacturers and sellers of the firearms that can inflict mass harm should also face legal consequences. Think about it: bartenders refuse to serve that 11th drink to prevent future tragedies. Why shouldn’t gun sellers exercise similar caution?
You might wonder how a seller could possibly know if you’re already an owner of multiple semi-automatic weapons. But if tech companies can track every online move I make, surely there’s a way to ensure responsible sales practices in the gun industry.
My argument isn’t against gun ownership; I recognize the right to bear arms. However, when tragedies occur, accountability is essential. Gun sellers should evaluate the risks associated with their transactions. If someone is purchasing their 11th semi-automatic weapon, sellers should ask themselves if that sale is worth the risk of possible future harm, including the astronomical costs associated with potential tragedies.
Of course, many small gun shop owners may not have deep pockets. But larger retailers likely do, and that means they should carry the financial burden of insurance that reflects the risks involved. If my obstetrician’s insurance is prohibitively expensive due to the risks of childbirth, then surely gun sellers should face a similar situation.
To cover these costs, prices on firearms might need to rise significantly. Life is invaluable, right? Just ask any obstetrician. The argument that gun owners fear home invasions and thefts of their firearms becomes ironic if we consider the implications of such sales.
I expect to face criticism for this viewpoint. Some will argue that I’m attempting to infringe on their rights as owners of multiple semi-automatic weapons. However, I believe that gun sellers should consider the social media presence of potential buyers—especially if they’re making inflammatory comments online. Would a responsible seller take that risk?
If gun ownership is strictly a financial transaction, then let’s ensure those transactions come with real consequences. The manufacturers and retailers of firearms want the freedom to produce and sell their products, but that freedom shouldn’t come at the cost of innocent lives.
In conclusion, those who profit from creating and distributing tools that can end lives must be held to a higher standard. If obstetricians face immense financial burdens to bring new life into the world, gun sellers and manufacturers should similarly shoulder the responsibility for the tools of destruction they provide.
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For more perspectives on responsibility in the gun industry, visit Modern Family Blog.
Summary
This article argues that gun manufacturers and sellers should be held accountable for the consequences of their products, similar to the medical field’s approach to obstetricians. It emphasizes the need for responsible sales practices and insurance costs that reflect the potential risks involved in the gun industry.