In the polarizing debate about gun control, one does not often encounter a moderate voice of reason. I find this editorial from the The Kingsport (TN) Times-News to be a rare example of such.
I can easily see why he would consider this article "a moderate voice of reason."
According to liberals, the huge increase in gun purchases that came as a consequence of Obama’s election were certain to result in a commensurate spike in gun violence. Despite these repeated predictions, the frenzy of gun violence that was supposed to erupt never occurred. In fact, gun violence has decreased.
Indeed, the liberal mantra that more guns equals more crime has run headlong into some inconvenient facts.
My response to this argument has been that it's still early days. But I admit it is compelling. I'm not sure if John Lott invented it but his name comes to mind.
What's your opinion? Is the spike in gun and ammo sales only one year ago combined with statistics that say gun violence is down enough to conclude the pro-gun crowd was right? Or, do these trends need to stand the test of time?
What's your opinion? Please leave a comment?
Personally, I'm not convinced there's a causal link in either direction. That puts me at odds with John Lott, but anyone who wants to use that disagreement as the basis for revoking my "gun nut" card will have to pry it from my cold, dead hands.
ReplyDeleteZorro: Personally, I'm not convinced there's a causal link in either direction. That puts me at odds with John Lott
ReplyDeleteDitto.
Mikeb: I can easily see why he would consider this article "a moderate voice of reason."
In any case, thanks for posting it.
"My response to this argument has been that it's still early days."
ReplyDeleteYou might actually be right. The average time-to-crime for a crime gun is one year. It's barely a year after the Obama buying spree.
So if more guns equals more violence, 2010 should be a record year.
"Meanwhile, liberal paranoia about gun ownership goes essentially unexamined."
ReplyDeleteYep, that's a moderate comment if ever I read one.
Zorro, I certainly wouldn't come for your "gun-nut card" or for your guns.
ReplyDeleteBy the why, this whole discussion about "More Guns - Less Gun Violence" seems to ignore the obvious fact that some instances of so-called "gun violence" are to be praised as good for society. Take this amazing shopkeeper, who killed 5 would-be robbers (and wounded another), over the course of 4 robberies/gunfights.
ReplyDeleteNow that's a guy to be admired, for the good work he has done in improving society.