Gun Control & The Peter Principle

As the 2013 Congress is in its opening chapter, legislation is starting to be created and introduced (or in some cases, reintroduced) in reaction to Sandy Hook (and other events that led up to Sandy Hook). At present, multiple bills are being developed in both chambers related to guns, all of which have some merit, but not all will see the light of day a vote.

The discussion of gun control vs. mental health vs. parental guidance vs. etc., etc.....will continue to be in the forefront of peoples minds, and while in the past this debate remained along party lines. the incidents of the past several months have created cracks in the partisan stronghold.

However, another consideration that should be debated - one that exists on a more macro level - is whether we have hit the pinnacle of our capabilities to competently regulate ourselves in regards to guns. No one wants to believe that we as a public have regressed in our ability to comprehend what the Founders may have wanted or expected when it came to the second amendment, but at what point do we decide whether this is a societal example of the Peter Principle at work.

Sociologically, the Peter Principle is defined as an individual's ability to be promoted professionally - based on achievement - to the level at which they are no longer able to achieve. In other words, a person's ability to be promoted to the level of their incompetence. However, this theory can be synthesized in other ways. For example, for years, this country has been stretching the rules as it relates to guns and gun control, whether it be in the technology behind developing new firearms or the policies associated with owning and obtaining them. Have we gone too far in how these rules have been stretched? Have we reached the level of incompetence? What evidence would we need to decide if we have?

Personally, I still believe in the phrase that President Clinton made famous:

"There is nothing wrong in America that can't be fixed with what is right in America." 

It is a truth I believe in with every vote I cast and every cause I support. However, the key to success as a Republic is that we must hold this sentiment close to us and treat it as a challenge and not a dare. We have to consider at what point those that choose to abuse certain privileges have finally ruined it for those who haven't abused them. It is a tipping point that seems to be getting closer and closer, and only we can control if it ever gets here.