<<I think that those numbers indicate a societal pre-occupation with guns. Based on littleton and the volume of murders in U.S. cities committed with hand guns this suggest greater regulation and control is required.>>
How many of those guns are hunting weapons? Hunters dont just have one gun. I myself have 5, including one handgun. My father owns another three. Most hunters have a comparable collection. So the figure may be deceptive. I would honestly like to see any demographic breakdown of those numbers.
As to the great mass of gun related deaths in this country, the emphasis on gun deaths is widely exaggerated. More people die from automobile accidents and accidental drowning than from gunshot wounds every year.
The fact remains that gun related violence is a symptom, not a cause, of violence. Regulating guns will not, and hasnt, worked because it is not the cause of the problem. There are already books full of firearms regulations in this country. More regulations will not solve the underlying social and economic causes of violence. It is easy to point the finger at guns, it is far harder to look at the real causes of violence, and even harder to formulate solutions. It is a cop out.
But in any case, I dont want to turn this thread into the "Gun thread," though Im afraid Ive done much to do this unintentionally. My apologies to everyone I have not replied to, especially Neocon and Gustave. I am terribly busy and unfortunately I have chosen to "pick my posts" so to speak. ;) Perhaps all those interested can join an already in-progress discussion I found here on SI today, aptly called Second Amendment. For now I have to limit my time to discussion. :) |
