A recent Rasmussen survey conducted in the aftermath of a mass shooting in Maine has revealed an interesting perspective on gun control in the United States. The survey findings align with what the Citizens Committee for the Right to Keep and Bear Arms has been advocating for years: most Americans believe that enforcing existing gun laws is more effective in preventing gun-related violence than passing new laws.
According to Rasmussen’s findings, 57 percent of voters surveyed believe that stricter enforcement of current gun laws would be more effective, while only 30 percent think that passing new laws would have a greater impact. The survey also revealed a political divide, with 71 percent of Republicans and 58 percent of Independents favoring stricter enforcement of existing laws, compared to only 43 percent of Democrats who share this view. This partisan difference highlights a philosophical gap between political affiliations.
Alan Gottlieb, Chairman of the Citizens Committee for the Right to Keep and Bear Arms, pointed out that Rasmussen conducted this survey shortly after the Maine shooting, making the issue very relevant. He stated that for decades, their organization has argued that proper enforcement of current gun laws would make the constant creation of new laws unnecessary. Many gun control proponents promise that new laws will prevent such tragic events, but the reality often falls short of these promises.
The survey also highlighted a fundamental disconnect between political parties on the possibility of completely preventing mass shootings. While 44 percent of Democrats believe it is possible, only 21 percent of Republicans and 19 percent of Independents share this view. In contrast, 66 percent of GOP voters and 63 percent of Independents don’t think it’s possible, while 41 percent of Democrats believe it’s likely not possible.
Gottlieb emphasized that the Citizens Committee for the Right to Keep and Bear Arms, known as the “common sense gun lobby,” has maintained its stance on these matters for a long time. Passing new gun control laws may create a feel-good illusion that something is being done, but, in reality, such laws achieve little and set the stage for more tragedies. Anti-gun politicians often repeat this cycle, eroding the Second Amendment without solving the problem.
In the ongoing debate over gun control, understanding the perspectives of Americans from various political backgrounds is essential. While there are differing views, this survey emphasizes that many Americans, regardless of their political affiliations, see the importance of enforcing existing gun laws to address gun-related violence effectively. It also underscores the need for informed and balanced policymaking in the pursuit of public safety and the protection of constitutional rights.
