Gun control is one of the most controversial issues in the United States, with a Gallup poll showing people are roughly divided in two on this issue. The poll taken in January 2013, shortly after the tragic shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Connecticut, showed that 38 percent of Americans wanted stricter gun laws, while 43 percent were satisfied current laws. Only 5% of respondents believe gun laws should be more lenient. Although U.S. lawmakers propose stricter gun regulations with every major shooting, such a measure would not reduce the number of homicides in the United States. Many media outlets in the United States talk about guns as if it is the gun's fault that people are killed with it or that it is used to kill. “But,” NRA executive vice president Wayne LaPiere said at a December 2012 press conference, “since when did the term 'gun' automatically become a dirty word? A gun in the hands of a Secret Service agent protecting our president isn’t she “That’s not a bad word. A weapon in the hands of a soldier protecting the United States of America is not a bad word. And when you hear your glass shatter at three in the morning and call 911, you won't be able to pray out loud. enough for a gun in the hands of a good guy to arrive quickly enough to protect you," he said in reference to the media, "they perpetuate the dangerous idea that one more gun ban or one more law imposed on peaceful people, lawful people will protect us where 20,000 other laws have failed. While LaPiere's statements may seem a bit extreme, he makes a good point in that the media promotes the idea that guns in the hands of civilians are automatically bad and states without question that we have need stricter restrictions. ......-shooting-delivered-on-dec-21-2012-transcript/2012/12/21/bd1841fe-4b88-11e2-a6a6-aabac85e8036_story.html>.Saad, Lydia "In the United States, 38 % Dissatisfied and want stricter gun laws” Gallup.com. Gallup, January 14, 2013. Web. November 20, 2013. United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime. “UNODC homicide statistics by country, 2013.” UNODC.org. United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, 2013. Web, November 20, 2013. Volsky, Igor. “The senator defends assault weapons and says criminals don't use them to kill people. » ThinkProgress.org, April 10, 2013. Internet November 20.. 2013..