Let’s assume you need milk, eggs, sandwiches, and soft drinks. You run to the grocery store and discover that vending machines are selling bullets. What would you think? 

Vending machines sell a wide range of products, but bullets? Has anyone ever considered that? In fact, there have been cases of this in the United States. Bullets are currently sold through grocery store vending machines in Texas, Oklahoma, and Alabama. These vending machines sell bullets to customers seven days a week, at any time of day. The Texas-based company American Rounds took the initiative to create these ammo selling devices.

According to this firearms marketing company, these bullet dispensers will allow consumers to acquire bullets when it is convenient for them, rather than standing in queues. These vending machines are as simple to operate as ATMs. They have already been put in a half-dozen locations in Oklahoma, Alabama, and Texas, and will soon be expanded to other states. According to federal law, consumers must be at least 18 years old to acquire shotgun rounds and 21 years old to purchase rifle bullets. In Oklahoma, Alabama, and Texas, no licence is required to purchase a gun, nor do gun owners need to obtain one or register their firearms. American Rounds CEO Grant Megers has indicated that buyers must be at least 21 years old to purchase bullets.

American Rounds claims that their vending machines have the best levels of security. These machines use AI technologies, such as card scanning and facial recognition software, to thoroughly and swiftly verify each customer's identification and age. The company states that their vending machines are safer than online sales since internet customers are not required to show their age, and there is also a possibility that bullets will be stolen from retail outlets.

This programme hasn't been without criticism, though. Innovative concepts like vending machine bullet sales, according to Nick Saplina, vice president of the nonprofit Everytown for Gun Safety, will bolster security at gun stores but not at the location where parents go to buy milk for their kids. There will be more shootings in the US as a result of vending machine sales of ammunition. At least 33 individuals lost their lives to gun violence on Independence Day alone. Only a few weeks have passed since US Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy proclaimed gun violence a public health emergency.

The United States has not been able to significantly reform gun laws, despite the horrifying statistics of gun attacks in recent years and requests from neighbours, according to data maintained by the Associated Press, USA Today, and Northeastern University. In 2019, there were 417 mass shootings by shooters; in 2020, that number drastically increased to 610. The figure increased to 692 in 2021 and then to 648 in 2022. There have been fifteen large-scale gun killings in the US so far in 2024. By 2023, 39 was the number. Experts warn that if immediate action is not taken, the numbers may rise even higher this year. 

Aside from major shootings, there has been an upsurge in gun-related suicides and killings. For example, last year, a parent was accidently shot by his child while they were playing. Each year, thousands of individuals die in the United States as a result of such situations. The United States has the largest number of casualties of any of the top 10 countries, owing to the availability of private gun ownership. As a result, it is possible to conclude that the murder and mortality rate in the United States is uncontrollably increasing.

Why do Americans love firearms so much, despite all of their terrible aspects? Why can't the United States enact tighter gun legislation even when pro-gun control Democrats are in office? This is a major question. The primary reasons for this are their constitutional rights, political history, and, particularly, their financial interests. The Second Amendment to the United States Constitution guarantees qualified persons the constitutional right to private gun ownership. The Second Amendment's key declaration is: "A well-regulated militia, being necessary to the security of a free state, the people's right to keep and bear arms, shall not be infringed."

The process of creating the United States Constitution began in 1787 and concluded in 1789. During this time (1787-88), the founding fathers engaged in a lengthy argument over 10 amendments known as the Bill of Rights. One of these was the Second Amendment, which passed in 1791. The primary goal of this amendment was to defend the provincial governance system and maintain provincial security in the event of a dictatorial federal administration. This amendment became increasingly necessary during the Civil War, which lasted from 1881 to 1886. However, the need for such a militia is nearly nonexistent nowadays. The first gun control law was passed in the 1960s, in response to an increase in gang violence after the death of President John F. Kennedy.  Many changes have occurred over successive administrations, but in 2008, the legal significance of private ownership increased. Until then, the provincial militia's role was seen as the most important. It was emphasised that individual gun ownership would provide personal safety and self-defense.

Due to constitutional and historical backgrounds, Americans view this right as equivalent to fundamental rights. Changing this right is seen as disrespecting the Constitution. On the other hand, the U.S. is witnessing increasing incidents of robbery, burglary, gang violence, and various terrorist activities, creating a sense of insecurity among the public. This insecurity is exploited by profit-hungry arms dealers, creating the current dire situation with the help of some politicians. There are two opposing groups in the U.S. - those who support gun control and those who support gun rights. Politicians supporting gun rights are busy ensuring no gun control laws pass in Parliament. 

These politicians are financially supported by U.S. arms dealers to gain power and public support. This process is known as "gun or arms lobbying." A significant portion of the profits from arms sales is directly used in this sector. From 1998 to 2020, pro-gun groups spent about 172 million U.S. dollars on lobbying to directly influence gun laws. The National Rifle Association (NRA) alone spent 250 million U.S. dollars in 2020 to protect gun rights. They also influenced the 2008 law change. These U.S. businessmen own the largest arms manufacturing companies globally. Their main aim is to sustain the growing domestic arms market. Pro-gun rights Republican politicians oppose even the smallest gun control laws, so no law passes despite ample public support. A few years ago, after the Robb School shooting, gun control supporters started protesting in major U.S. cities. However, the protests did not help. President Biden and other Democrats expressed regret over their inability to act as a developed nation. Meanwhile, some Republican leaders faced backlash for suggesting controversial measures like reducing the number of school doors and arming teachers, which further fueled the protests.

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Author: Kaberi Maitraya, Senior Reporter, Ekattor Television.