Gary Rosen

About the author: Gary Rosen is the managing editor for the monthly magazine Commentary and the author of American Compact: James Madison and the Problem of Founding.

A middle ground needs to be reached on gun control. Such a compromise is necessary because both sides of the issue have valid arguments. Supporters of gun control point out the inadequacies of current laws in preventing the high rates of firearm fatalities. However, opponents of gun control have correctly argued that legislation has little effect on adolescent gun-related deaths and mass shootings. Although opponents have also shown that gun ownership can be a deterrent to crime, they have too readily opposed necessary measures, such as restrictions on assault weapons. A common sense approach to gun laws would include a background check for...