Final week, Jon Stewart sat down with Oklahoma State Senator Nathan Dahm on March ninth’s episode of The Drawback with Jon Stewart to debate a number of payments he’s penned that goal to loosen gun restrictions throughout the state — all whereas laying out why these legal guidelines are so harmful to kids.

Dahm’s place is obvious: he’s a “sturdy proponent of the Second Modification,” and really believes that “the correct to maintain and bear arms shall not be infringed.” In sensible phrases, meaning Dahm’s laws has targeted on guaranteeing there are fewer restrictions on weapons — together with serving to writer the primary regulation within the nation that eliminates crimson flag legal guidelines, which may make it more durable for sure individuals who could do hurt to themselves, or others, to get entry to weapons.

Within the dialog, Stewart clarified that he doesn’t need to ban weapons however pushed on Dahm’s assertion that his proposed payments will enhance security.

“I don’t need to ban weapons. However you’re saying extra weapons makes us extra secure. So, when? We obtained 400 million weapons within the nation. We had a rise, and gun deaths went up,” Stewart replied. “So when precisely does this curve hit that takes it down? Would a billion weapons do it?”

The USA does certainly have extra weapons than folks. And, solely two months and alter into the brand new 12 months, there have already been greater than 1,000 kids injured or killed on account of gun violence, in accordance with the Gun Violence Archive.

The proposed laws Dahm is trying to push would take away already lax gun laws, together with background checks and necessities that you simply register your firearms.

Stewart pressed Dahm to clarify why gun-related deaths and accidents have gone up and the way eradicating laws would assist that scenario. Dahm argued that it’s “the person that’s the issue” in why gun violence charges have elevated and never easy accessibility to firearms.

“We have to have a look at the issues that these persons are going through,” Dahm argued, saying implementing widespread gun legal guidelines isn’t the reply. Nevertheless, Stewart identified that with the proposed adjustments to gun laws, there can be no means to have a look at the people.

“In case you don’t have background checks, and also you don’t have registration and allowing, how are you aware who has an issue by way of the individuals who you’re giving a gun?” Stewart questioned.

Stewart additionally requested Dahm why he feels so little about gun violence but has sturdy emotions about innocent occasions like drag performers studying books to youngsters on the library.

“As a result of the federal government does have a accountability to guard … kids,” mentioned Dahm.

“What’s the main reason behind dying of youngsters on this nation?” Stewart requested since Dahm mentioned his concern is child security. “And I’m going to present you a touch; it’s not drag present readings.”

Final 12 months, gun violence grew to become the primary killer of children in the USA, greater than automobile accidents, drug overdoses, and poisoning deaths. Till that time, automobile accidents had been the primary killer of children since 1999. Most of those gun-related deaths are from kids being murdered by weapons, however there was a rise within the variety of dying by suicide, too.

Stewart continued, “And what you are telling me is, you do not thoughts infringing free speech to guard kids from this amorphous factor that you simply consider,” Stewart added, referencing drag performers, “however on the subject of kids which have died, you do not give a flying f-ck to cease that.”

“You need to say, ‘I’m a Second Modification purist, and I’m making it safer.’ You are not. You’re making it extra chaotic, and that’s not a matter of opinion. That’s the reality.”

You may watch the total interview on YouTube or Apple TV+.