The problem is not with the guns, but the lifestyle, which occurs within these urban surroundings. .
There are many programs and camps that attempt to improve the inner city environments, however most people feel that a midnight basketball league or a weeklong youth improvement camp will not reform a "gang-banger" into a model citizen. Conservative gun control cannot resolve all problems concerning the misuse of guns. "We need to look at the groups that use and misuse guns and see what it is that sets them apart socially, economically, and culturally from non users and legal gun users" (Joe Shelley 2002). The only way to cease these acts of gun violence is to determine the source of the problem. Enforcing harsher penalties for gun related crimes, such as illegal gun possession, and increasing the involvement of police to prevent gang affiliation would curb the amount of gun related crimes. The slogan of the National Rifle Association personifies the misuse of firearms, "Guns don't kill, people do" (NRA). .
Children who are taught correct gun operation and safety measures are less likely to be involved in a gun-related accident or crime. Jessica Carpenter, a 14 yr. old girl in California, was babysitting two other siblings when an intruder with a pitchfork broke into the home. Having being properly trained how to use a firearm by her father; she knew how to operate a handgun. However the household gun was locked in accordance to California state laws. She was unable to phone for help because the intruder had cut the lines and she was forced to abandon her two younger siblings. Jessica was the only survivor. This tragedy is an example of how a properly trained youth could have prevented a crime had it not been for California gun control laws (The future of Children 2002).
Many pro-gun advocate organizations tend to dominate the polls by gaining the support of candidates who are pro-gun, donating large sums of money to gun informant organizations and rallying the support from responsible gun owners.
