US needs to openly discuss the Gun Control law, appeals Former US Secretary of State, Condoleezza Rice

Washington: Condoleezza Rice, the former Foreign Minister and former National Security Advisor, expressed her stand on the ‘Gun Control’ act saying, “We need to discuss openly what the right to possess arms means in the advanced world. I don’t understand the need for civilians to possess military weapons.” Gun control has become a hot topic of discussion, after the massacre in a school in Florida. Against the background, the statement by Rice draws attention.

In an interview on the Hugh Hewitt’s radio show, Rice clarified her stand on violence, amendments in the US constitution and proposal to arm the teachers. ‘People should very well understand that the government is not saying that you can go out and buy tanks. Therefore, the issue of possessing arms should be thoroughly discussed. At the same time, it is my firm belief that the rights given by the US constitution are indivisible. We cannot discard the second amendment while retaining the first,’ Rice indicated the need of discussion to reach a solution in this matter.

Rice opposed the proposal by President Donald Trump to arm the teachers. Rice insisted that only security agencies are responsible for the safety of people saying, ‘At least, I will not be a teacher having weapons in a class. I have not liked the idea of carrying weapons in the class. According to me, the agencies responsible for law and order should take the necessary measures for our safety.’

‘Arming the teachers cannot be a solution to this problem. Proper information from the intelligence agencies is necessary even in cases of internal problems and issues. The domestic intel agencies should be made efficient to be at par with the agencies operating at the international level’, advised Rice, the former National Security Advisor. She drew attention to the fact that warnings of caution and a lot of prior information was available about the youth involved in the Florida mishap.

A major row is expected in the US Senate over the Gun Control issue. President Trump has suggested proposals to arm the teachers and to increase the age limit for gun license. At the same time, he has ordered a ban on ‘Bump Stock Rifles’. There are claims that these proposals will receive support from the ‘National Rifle Association’ also known as the ‘Gun Lobby’.

But, the ‘National Rifle Association’ has denied all reports about this matter. ‘National Rifle Association’ spokesperson, Dana Loesch has clarified that there would be no support for any kind of ban.