It seems that in America people feel that they need to exercise the right to bear arms. For what reason do people feel like they HAVE to exercise this right? In Europe guns are illegal and gun crime here is extremely low.

I agree with you, this gun culture that's promoted here is sad. They really aren't necessary--but it's too late to just ban guns. Small steps.

They don't. The right to bear arms was meant for a completely different purpose at the time it was written and is a completely outdated concept, that for some reason, so many people in this country seem to cling on to.

cause blacks and latinos are scary!

/s

Because banning guns wouldn't help much due to the power of trafficking over the borders and the sheer size of our country. Ammunition control is a much, much smarter idea, would be much more effective and would create many, many more government jobs.

You might as well ask why the average person needs seatbelts when there's only 30,000-35,000 fatal crashes each year and some people just happen to LIKE them.

many reasons. You all need to stop comparing America and Europe because they're not even close to the same. Crime has always been much higher here in America and I'd like a way to protect myself thanks.

We don't. People delude themselves into thinking there's a high possibility of a burglar breaking into their house and they'd absolutely need!!11 a gun to defend themselves but lbr how often does that happen and how often do you need a freaking gun to defend yourselves from them. It also has to do with people going overboard with the whole "freedom to do what we want" thing blah blah blah.

Because I don't trust the police nor the government to protect me. Would you rather have someone break in your house and you have a gun which you can use to defend yourself or wait 10 minutes for a cop to find your dead body? You really shouldn't rely on the government to protect you. It's also because our founding fathers put it in our constitution. If the government takes that amendment away what makes you think they won't take away freedom of speech or the slavery amendment? If you're meant at the 2nd amendment and the fact that we can use guns then get mad at our founding fathers who drafted the constitution and basically protected our asses from the government.

They don't. A 5 year old could tell you that.
It's America though, so they will never be banned as it harms their freedom!111!

OP never mentioned banning guns. This is exactly what happens when a gun control debate starts:

1: Hello. People keep getting killed here from gun crime, at a much worse rate than every other advanced country in the world. Perhaps we should review policies and gun laws.

2: What?! You're banning guns?! They're part of freedom, and only our country has that. Having a gun is a right, and I need it to defend against things.

1: No, I don't want to ban guns, that obviously wouldn't work. Just tighter regulation on who can purchase one, and associated paraphernalia including ammunition. Also, maybe you shouldn't be able to buy one in a supermarket?

2: What?! You're banning guns?! They're part of freedom, and only our country has that. Having a gun is a right, and I need it to defend against things.

Watch this SC shooting follow Sandy Hook and all those before it - majority of people want stricter gun laws, followed by NRA and other lobbyists ensuring absolutely nothing is done.

Because it makes people feel powerful

Something that needs to be pointed out is that Americans have an affinity for freedoms and right. It's what the country was built upon, it's the foundation for our Constitution, and it's important to the public (see: outrage over NSA spying b/c it violated right to privacy).

Whether it is a necessary freedom or not (I don't think it is, but I respect those who do), there are plenty of people who adamantly believe that it is their constitutional right to be able to own guns.

Guns aren't the problem.

IDK they're scary take em away bye

Notice the word essential. If guns were essential to liberty, no country in Europe would have liberty yet they do.

And you already gave up liberty when you let your elected officials remove your rights (and attempt to remove many other countries' citizens rights) via the Patriot Act.