Editor’s Note: The following op-ed by Chris Cheng first appeared in the July 12 edition of The Boston Herald.
When I won the History Channel’s “Top Shot” competition, my life’s focus shifted from Silicon Valley to a world of firearms safety education, competition and advocacy. Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of teaching thousands of Americans about responsible gun ownership. Through that work, I’ve witnessed a growing disconnect between what Americans believe will make their communities safer and the policies often promoted in Washington and state capitals.
For years, gun-control advocates have argued that public safety depends on increasingly restrictive firearm regulations. But Americans are increasingly focused on outcomes rather than regulations. They want safer neighborhoods, less crime and a justice system that works. They are becoming less convinced that new restrictions are the answer.
That reality was underscored by a recent national survey of 1,000 likely general election voters commissioned by the Crime Prevention Research Center.
The survey found that lawful concealed carry has increased significantly in less than two years, reflecting a growing number of Americans who have chosen to take responsibility for their own safety.
Among independent voters, the constituency often viewed as the nation’s political bellwether, 31.4% said enforcing existing laws would do the most to reduce crime, while 32% pointed to arresting and prosecuting repeat offenders. Just 25.9% favored passing additional gun-control laws.
The survey also revealed strong support for enforcement-focused solutions among Black and Hispanic voters. Twenty-seven percent prioritized enforcing existing laws, while 35% favored holding repeat offenders legally accountable for their actions. Women, too, continue to place a high value on personal safety and self-defense.
This creates an opportunity to move beyond the tired political arguments that have dominated the gun debate for decades. If we want safer communities, we should focus on three priorities: education, enforcement and accountability.
First, the rise in lawful gun ownership demands a renewed commitment to firearms safety education. Every American who chooses to exercise their Second Amendment rights should have access to quality safety training and instruction.
Second, we must confront America’s mental health crisis. Walk the Talk America is one organization leading this work. Firearms manufacturers, dealers, distributors and gun owners are taking responsibility and doing their part to address America’s mental health crisis. Expanding access to treatment, improving support systems and reducing the stigma around seeking help should be national priorities.
Third, we must hold violent offenders accountable. Laws already exist to prosecute dangerous criminals. Communities become safer when those laws are consistently enforced, and repeat offenders face meaningful consequences for their actions.
Americans are telling us what they want. They want safe communities. They want responsible gun ownership. And they want a justice system that focuses on criminals rather than creating new burdens for law-abiding citizens.
It’s time for policymakers to listen.
– Chris Cheng
Cheng is History Channel’s Top Shot Season 4 Champion and the author of “Shoot to Win” and “The Purple Heart Battalion,” now available for pre-order on Kickstarter.