Guided Assignment 3

Background: Pick a research topic for the next few papers/projects. They have to fall under the category of current American controversies. This blog entry is meant to flesh out some ideas for a topic and how best to approach my argument.
I want to research gun control laws. The subject hits pretty close to home for me because I grew up in the D.C. metro area and we've seen our fair share of gun violence. There was a sniper in my area when I was in the second grade and more recently there was the Navy Yard shooting. Also our family friend, Brian Murphy, was the police officer who stopped the shooter at the Sikh temple in Wisconsin earlier this year.
My biggest challenge will be stopping myself from running away with my emotions. This is a topic I feel strongly about so reigning that in will be tough.
The best approach for my argument would be to argue for stronger gun control laws with the support of credible and scholarly sources from well respected publications and authors.
Then I will provide information about the counter argument and explain why my side should be more widely supported.
Then I'll restate my opinion for emphasis and use rhetorical strategies like appeals to pathos and logos to convince my audience to agree with my opinion.
At the very least, I would like my essay to inform readers about both sides so they can make a decision they believe in.