Zoltan, interesting article.
Judging by the tone of the report, mind, I'm not sure the author is impartial...
Gun control suits liberals... It tickles feminist sensibilities because guns are phallic, hence patriarchal, hence evil... It inspires communitarians... you can see how contempt for guns and hunters becomes a way for hip, quick-witted city folks to celebrate their superiority over their cloddish country cousins.
This is not exactly objective, scientific language looking for no desired outcome.
Still, this could be the key point:
Apparently, when more people are on the streets packing heat, criminals tend to redirect their predatory activities into lines where they are less apt to meet armed resistance.
If true, very promising for the US. Unrestricted or minimally limited gun possession will reduce death by shooting - counter-intutive, but given the starting point...
And if true, this is good:
One of the strengths of this book is Lott's patient refutation of every responsible criticism.
The article's about 3 years old - is there any follow-up yet? In particular, is there any follow-up in economically depressed areas - criminals often becomes more desperate, or more people resort to crime - when 'legal' opportunities for relative comfort are less. Since 1992, the US has after all both been in an economic boom and seen a fall in the key 14-22 male population who are most prone to crime... Also, what (if any) are the results of such policies in crowded areas - cities especially? What might work for a time in Vermont, or Montana, might not be ideal for LA, or indeed London...
One other thought:
Possibly as a result of media attention (from all poltical wings) there seem to be a lot of cases reported of 'xxxx rage' (car, train, air, trolley, etc) - basically where 'normal' people lose control, maybe alcohol-fuelled but often as a result of simple congestion and overcrowding coupled with some external frustration. I don't know if this is a UK-only phenomenon... but given that currently it results in quite nasty fights, I'd rather not add the effects of guns.
Five or six years from now, we'll know.
Maybe... one can hope! I'll try and keep an open mind.
Thanks for posting that, all the same. |
