Lafayette Reporter

In a recent op-ed published in Newsweek, Senator John Kennedy of Louisiana highlighted the importance of enforcing existing laws to combat gun violence in American cities. He argued that instead of focusing on passing new gun control measures that restrict law-abiding citizens, local officials should prioritize supporting the police and ensuring that the laws already in place are effectively enforced.

Kennedy addressed the conflicting views of opponents of the Second Amendment, stating, "They want to reduce gun violence, but they think cops are worse than criminals. They want more gun laws, but they don’t want to punish people who break those laws." He criticized the tendency of anti-gun activists to blame conservative governors for crime in liberal cities, rather than addressing the root causes of violence.

The senator emphasized the importance of conservative leadership and the belief in enforcing the law. He stated, "Either side of the gun debate can cherry-pick numbers that look best for their side. I’m confident that conservative leadership is more effective for one simple reason: Conservatives believe in enforcing the law."

Kennedy also cited studies that support the correlation between increased police presence and a decrease in crime rates. He noted, "Unless you peaked in high school, you understand that more cops will result in less crime. One study on policing found that each officer added to the police force resulted in four fewer violent crimes and 15 fewer property crimes. Another study found that a 10% increase in the police force resulted in a 13% drop in violent crime."

The senator argued that the problem lies not with guns themselves, but with criminals who misuse them. He called on anti-gun activists to take responsibility for their policies, which have left innocent families defenseless in high-crime areas by undermining the morale and effectiveness of police forces across the country. "If they want to address gun violence, supporting law enforcement is the first step," Kennedy stated.

In conclusion, Senator John Kennedy's op-ed in Newsweek emphasizes the need to prioritize the enforcement of existing laws in order to combat gun violence. He argues that supporting law enforcement and addressing the root causes of crime will be more effective in ensuring the safety of American communities than passing new gun control measures that restrict the rights of law-abiding citizens.