Burger presents solid evidence supporting both arguments on the issue of gun control in his essay, "The Right to Bear Arms". Burger, a former chief justice of The United States, does not solely defend either opinion, but instead presents factual information to allow the reader to decide on their own. His supporting data, mostly in the form of proven statistics, helps to defend both arguments and displays a solid case for both sides. He relates to the reader by using analogies and historical information, making it easier to understand the facts that he is trying to prove. By taking a neutral position on the topic, he allows the reader to truly form their own opinion and not be persuaded by anything other than the facts.
The most effective piece of evidence used by Burger is in his argument that guns are not so much a necessity as they were two hundred years ago. Burger understands that times have changed and so has the need for the possession of guns. They are not needed as much for protection because of the police forces that protect our communities. Burger declares that, "The same First Congress that approved the right to keep and bear arms also limited the national army to 840 men". When there is a limited amount of protection for your citizens, you must leave them the option of defending themselves. In today's society, there is protection available everywhere you turn. This alone tells one that it is not necessary to own a gun for survival. Not only do you have the security of your own home with locked doors, you have a public task force ready to help. .
Another reason Burger's piece is so effective is his use of solid statistics. Statistics show numbers that are proven facts and, therefore, cannot be questioned or doubted. When statistics are used it allows the reader to better understand the subject at hand. In turn they can form a more stable opinion based on the knowledge they have received.
