An Unbiased Analysis of Gun Crime vs. Gun Control?

lyapunov asks: "I have been trying to become more learned on the issues surrounding gun control and crime. I have had quite a time searching the internet for references about these issues. Practically everything that I have found has been written for, or is a study funded by, one of the groups that hold extreme viewpoints on the subject, e.g. the NRA or the Brady Foundation. The same holds true for references that I have found in our library. I was wondering if any of the members of the slashdot community have come across articles that are objective in dealing with these subjects, and I would also ask what ideas the members of this community have about this issue and what FACTS they can offer to support their ideas."

"Just so everyone knows where I stand, and why I am asking this, I offer the following. I enjoy guns and regularly compete in shooting matches and hunt occasionally. I am a member of the NRA, not for political reasons, but due to the fact that most competitions are closed to non-members (which I do think is screwed up). Having said this I am undecided on what a logical path for the future is. I do believe that an unarmed nation is a bad idea, but as Michael Moore pointed out in 'Bowling for Columbine' Canada has a much higher per capita gun ownership rate compared to the US and has nowhere near the amount of violent crime that the US has. All of the statistics that I have seen about countries that have altogether outlawed guns have been manipulated by those extreme groups. As such I find it hard to believe anything that either side presents.

Thanks, I look forward to reading all of your comments and the references that you provide."

Comments

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[Kohath]

Religion: which is the one true faith?

Has sweeps week come to the Internet?

Bah

[fredrikj]

This world would be a better place if there were no guns. Works in Europe (tm). Too bad that it won't work in the US. I hate to say it, but it looks like you're stuck in a downwards spiral where gun related violence increases and any eventual attempts to control the guns result in things getting worse.

Interesting title

[dachshund]

The book "More Guns, Less Crime" does a pretty good job of just looking at the numbers. When you look at the numbers, the spin the other groups put on a particular incident is lessened.

Why should you even look at the numbers... Doesn't the title of the book tell you everything you need to know? :)

Re:We need to change the constitution

[perljon]

Let's throw out all the bill of rights. Why do we have those any way? Wouldn't a government with complete and total control be more effecient?

Other Inappropriate Questions to Ask Slashdot

[Goody]

How do I do brain surgery ?
Should I induce vomiting ?
What plate voltage should I use on this vacuum tube ?
Should I put salt in my eyes ?
Why did they change the flavor of Coke ?
Is OJ a murderer ?
How do I put my name on an engraver ?
Home abortion kits ?

WTF ? Are the editors that self-absorbed that they think Slashdot is a massive think-tank with all the answers ?

To those who want to protect themselves with guns.

[clarkie.mg]

I'd like to ask to those who want to protect themselves with guns how the guns they carry could protect children from being shoot and how they would protect themselves from the sniper in Washington.

Re:Guns

[redshift-systems]

Hahahaha. You really need to get over your self importance pal. I cherish all our nation's relationships. But a good relationship allows healthy criticism. Or are your thousands of murders a year in America something you're proud of and willing to defend against criticism. Wanker.
And if it wasn't for Australia you people would be eating sushi and saying sayonara. We defended our nation without your help, dickhead. You people can't even defend yourslef from attack by a small group of arabs. Australia is by far the superior military power in the region, and per capita has the most technical defense power in Asia. Dumb fuck. Sit back in your CNN recliner and watch the world through ignorant American eyes and you end up with dimwits like you. The majority of your population would not even know what the Capital of Canada is.
BTW, If you think burglary should be punished with a bullet, you need to get your head out of your arse and start pretending to be a human.

When all you have is a hammer...

[Man Eating Duck]

You make me sick. When people with guns start talking about God-given rights, it's pretty frightening.

I'm not religious, but I presume you're a Christian. So, what exactly is 'Thou shalt not kill' to you? Some kind of polite suggestion?

Oh, I see, anyone who breaks into your property doesn't have the right to live. Where I live, that's not a capital offense, furthermore we leave judgment to the courts.

Why should I trust you to make the right decision about whether someone lives or dies? Oh, it's your god-given right. Ah well.

Btw, don't bother to reply, I won't listen to your drivel.