I vividly recall the experience of expecting my first child. I was shocked to discover how challenging it was to find an obstetrician. I naively thought that any doctor specializing in women’s health would suffice, but it turns out, I needed someone specifically trained to deliver babies—a much more complex task.
What adds to this complexity is the reality that obstetricians face a unique level of liability; they can be sued for nearly anything that goes awry during childbirth. And let’s be real—childbirth can be unpredictable. Delivering a baby is inherently risky. While there are various factors contributing to a decline in obstetricians, one significant reason is the daunting legal landscape and the exorbitant costs associated with their malpractice insurance. We can hold these doctors accountable for their actions, but when it comes to gun sellers and manufacturers, the rules seem different.
Across the United States, many assert the necessity of firearms. Guns are essential for law enforcement, military personnel, hunting, and even for individuals seeking protection. This situation benefits those who produce and sell firearms. Much like the medical field, the gun industry is a lucrative business.
However, I propose that gun manufacturers and sellers should bear some responsibility for what happens with their products. For instance, what is the purpose of a silencer? Why should gunfire be muted? To echo a lesson I teach my kids: if you wouldn’t say something quietly, then it shouldn’t be whispered. And let’s talk about bump stocks—what need is there to fire off a torrential stream of bullets in seconds? Unless there’s a coyote invasion, it seems excessive.
Certainly, the individual who pulls the trigger should be held accountable. But often, they take the easy way out, leaving others to pick up the pieces. The manufacturers and sellers of firearms that can inflict mass harm swiftly and quietly should also face consequences. After all, your bartender won’t let you drink excessively and drive home because they could be liable for your actions.
You might wonder how a seller could possibly know if a buyer already owns multiple firearms. Well, if algorithms can track my online shopping habits, surely sellers could be aware of a buyer’s previous purchases. I’m not advocating against gun ownership; I understand that people have a right to bear arms. What I am saying is that when things go horribly wrong, someone should be held accountable.
Whether the risk is minimal—like selling a vintage hunting rifle—or significant, like selling high-capacity firearms to individuals with concerning backgrounds, accountability is crucial. If a seller learns they’re about to complete a sale of a firearm to someone with a history that raises red flags, they should ask themselves if the profit is worth the potential fallout.
Now, I know some will argue that gun sellers might not have the deep pockets to withstand lawsuits, except for major retailers like Walmart. In that case, insurance becomes essential, and it should be costly. If my obstetrician faces high insurance premiums just to bring life into the world, then those who profit from selling weapons should also pay a steep price.
How will they manage those costs? By raising gun prices to reflect their true value. After all, isn’t life priceless? And let’s be honest; the fear of home invasions shouldn’t justify making firearms cheap.
I can already hear the critics gearing up to take shots at me for this perspective. They’ll claim I’m trying to strip away their rights to own multiple firearms. But my point is clear: sellers should exercise caution and consider the implications of their sales. They should be informed enough to avoid selling firearms to individuals with troubling online footprints. Would they risk their livelihood for a sale? Likely not.
If gun ownership revolves around financial gain, then let’s address it with the weight it deserves. Manufacturers want the freedom to create, sellers want to sell, and buyers want to purchase, but let’s remember: freedom comes with responsibility.
No one should have to pay the ultimate price for our right to bear arms—especially not innocent concert-goers or children in classrooms. Those earning a profit from the sale of instruments that can end lives should face significant accountability. If my obstetrician needs to navigate the financial burdens of bringing life into the world, then those in the gun market should equally confront the consequences of facilitating death.
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Summary
Gun sellers and manufacturers must be held accountable for the consequences of their products, just as obstetricians are in the medical field. If our right to bear arms comes with significant risks, those involved in the sale and creation of firearms should share the burden of responsibility.