I vividly recall the time I was expecting my first child. I thought finding an obstetrician would be a breeze, but it turns out, I needed someone who could handle the whole baby delivery situation—not just a general doctor. Who knew?
What sets obstetrics apart is the risk involved in childbirth. If anything goes awry during delivery, you can sue your obstetrician in ways that are virtually unheard of in other medical fields. And let’s be real, childbirth can be a wild ride—there’s a reason we have doctors trained for it!
Sure, there are fewer obstetricians these days, and while there are many factors at play, the fear of lawsuits and the skyrocketing insurance costs are significant contributors. We can take legal action against doctors helping bring new life into the world (sometimes years after the fact), but what about those who sell semi-automatic weapons? Where’s the accountability there?
Many argue that guns are essential for various purposes—police work, hunting, home defense. But while this benefits gun manufacturers and sellers, what about the responsibilities that come with that power? If a gun has a silencer, for instance, why is that necessary? Shouldn’t everyone be able to hear it? As I often remind my kids, if you wouldn’t say it out loud, maybe don’t whisper it!
The person behind the trigger should absolutely be accountable for their actions. But more often than not, they take themselves out of the equation first. So, what about the manufacturers and sellers of those weapons? Shouldn’t they also face consequences for the chaos their products can cause? Just like a bartender won’t let you drive after a few too many drinks, why shouldn’t gun sellers be held to similar standards?
You might wonder how a seller could know if you’re already armed to the teeth. But honestly, if Google and social media can track my recent searches for kids’ boots, surely a gun seller can check if a buyer has a small arsenal at home.
Here’s the bottom line: I’m not against gun ownership. I get that it’s a right. But when tragedy strikes, someone has to be held accountable. Whether it’s a seemingly low-risk sale or a high-risk one, people should take responsibility for their actions. For instance, if you’re selling your 11th semi-automatic to someone, doesn’t it make sense to think about the potential consequences?
If that seller realizes they’re about to make a sale that could lead to massive harm, maybe they’ll reconsider. The math isn’t hard: is $500 worth the potential liability of $58 million for lives lost? I’d say no.
And sure, a small gun shop owner might not have that kind of cash, unless they’re a giant retailer like Walmart. This means they’d likely need insurance, which should be costly. If my obstetrician is paying through the nose for malpractice insurance, then why should it be cheap for someone selling guns?
How to make this insurance more manageable? Raise the prices of guns significantly! After all, life is invaluable. Ask my obstetrician; they’ll tell you the same.
Now, I know some folks will troll me for this, branding me a liberal trying to restrict their rights. But here’s the thing: sellers should do their homework before handing over a weapon, considering the potential danger involved. If they take a second to evaluate the buyer’s social media footprint, maybe they wouldn’t sell that gun.
Gun ownership should come with responsibility and accountability. The companies manufacturing these weapons and the shops selling them should share the burden of ensuring their products don’t end up in the wrong hands. If my obstetrician can’t afford to bring new life into the world without facing high insurance costs, then why should gun sellers be any different?
Summary
This piece emphasizes the need for accountability in the gun sales industry, drawing parallels with the medical field. It argues that just as obstetricians face lawsuits and high insurance costs, gun manufacturers and sellers should also bear the financial responsibility for the tools they provide. It advocates for a system where the risks involved in selling guns are acknowledged and addressed, ensuring that all parties involved understand the potential consequences of their actions.