Buckeye Reporter

The recent CBS debate on October 1 between Republican Senator JD Vance and Democratic Governor Tim Walz did not heavily focus on firearms and the Second Amendment. This topic has been largely overlooked in presidential debates, possibly due to moderators being aware of both Walz's and Vice President Kamala Harris's inconsistent stances on the issue.

During the debate, Norah O'Donnell posed a question about firearms being the leading cause of death among children. According to data from the Crime Prevention Research Center and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, vehicle deaths have consistently exceeded firearm deaths for those under age 18. However, for those under age 20, firearm deaths surpassed vehicle deaths in certain years.

Governor Walz stated during the debate, "We're not taking anybody's guns away." He also mentioned, "And the idea to have some of these weapons out there, it just doesn't make sense." Despite his assurances that no one is trying to take away guns, he emphasized that "Sometimes it just is the guns," indicating a stance on gun control measures.

The Harris-Walz ticket supports universal background checks, red flag laws, and a ban on what they term as "assault weapons." Walz pointed to Finland as a model for gun laws. Finland requires licenses for firearm possession, mandates registration of all firearms, and has strict regulations regarding carrying firearms.

In contrast, the Second Amendment states: "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."

Joe D. "Buck" Ruth expressed concerns over Walz's statements in his article. He argued that guns themselves are not responsible for violence but rather individuals who misuse them. Ruth is affiliated with Buckeye Firearms Association.