Episode 12

Why Are Guns Still Legal?

On average, there is at least one mass shooting in America every single day.

News of the latest school shooting has become a regular occurrence, as gun crime in America draws attention not just domestically, but around the world.

Gun violence is an epidemic that shows no signs of stopping, but why? Why is banning guns so controversial? Who is standing in the way? And why would anyone still be in support of gun ownership? In this episode, we discuss an issue that continues to plague and divide America, as we figure out... why are guns still legal?

Returning to the podcast from the faculty is Emma Long, Associate Professor of American History and Politics and Head of the Department of American Studies at the University of East Anglia.

Our special guest is Chris Marvin, a retired Army officer, Black Hawk helicopter pilot, and a combat-wounded veteran of the war in Afghanistan. Today he serves as the veteran lead for the nation’s largest gun violence prevention organization, Everytown for Gun Safety. He is also an expert on gun suicide prevention, and he is currently producing a documentary exploring American gun culture.

Chris shares his insights as he continues the fight to end gun violence, and prevent guns from being the single biggest killer of children in the US.

Additional Resources:

WEBSITE: Everytown for Gun Safety

ARTICLE: Gun Violence a Major and Growing National Problem by Pew Research Center

If you enjoy this episode, you might also like:

What Was the Constitutional Convention?

Why Does the President Only Serve Two Terms?

Is the President Above the Law?

How Are Presidents Elected?

What is the US Constitution?

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About the Podcast

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America: A History
Your Ultimate Guide to US History

About your host

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Liam Heffernan

Liam's fascination with America grows year on year. Having graduated with a Masters in American Studies with Film, he loves pop culture and has been to Vegas four times which, in his opinion, is not enough.