When foreigners are sometimes asked what seems most strange about American society, somewh

ere on the top of the list will be the fact that the average citizen is allowed to possess guns.

Although it is true that many people carry guns legally in the United States, it is also known that many who possess guns carry them illegally. Others, who don't have guns, feel that guns can be acquired quite easily. A recent survey indicated that many high school students, especially in the inner cities, can acquire a gun with little difficulty, Some schools require students to pass through a metal detector similar to those found at airports before entering the school building.

Police statistics also show that death by firearms is one of the leading causes of death among children under twenty and many citizens feel that owning one is a necessary for self-protection. In a campaign to get children to give up their weapons, guns were once exchanged for toys at Christmas. Several years ago thousands of children handed in their firearms for coupons(赠券) redeemable(可赎回的) at Toys "R" Us. This was a bizarre and ironic indication of the full extension of the problem.

Also, some ranchers in rural areas who raise cattle and sheep feel they need to protect their animals against the mountain lions and wolves which attack their herds and flocks at night. To defend and support their rights to possess firearms The National Rifle Association (NRA) was founded in 1871 by National Guard officers. Their purpose was to help rifle owners to increase the accuracy of their marksmanship(枪法). The organization has close ties with the Defense department, which has helped to support the organization and even sponsor a rifle contest. Nevertheless, the main importance of this association has been its efforts to prevent strict gun control legislation. The association has great political support in small towns and rural areas especially in the West and the South where hunting is especially popular. Those who favor the right to possess guns insist that the second amendment to the constitution provides the right of people "to keep and bear arms." They believe that gun control laws will not solve the problem of crime and violence in America.

How do some schools check to see if students are carrying guns？

A．The administration searches their lockers.

B．They have employed security guards on every floor.

C．They have installed metal detectors at the entrance of the building.

D．They invite the police to make surprise search for guns.