Obama calls for "common-sense reforms" to "reduc[e] gun violence" (Read 32523 times)

HiCarry

Re: Obama calls for "common-sense reforms" to "reduc[e] gun violence"
« Reply #40 on: September 22, 2014, 01:35:28 PM »
Not my point.
My point is that there are a lot of individuals who want some types of firearms banned but not all firearms banned. This is in contrast to the claim that everyone on the pro gun control side wants to ban any and all firearms.
I think we do ourselves a disservice if we misrepresent our opponents so greatly.
And usually those that want "some" firearms banned base those desires on misinformation or misunderstandings...such as relating Constitutional protections to hunting concerns, or believing that the police have some duty to protect you (the all too common reason such advocates suggest guns should only be available to police or military personnel...)....

eyeeatingfish

Re: Obama calls for "common-sense reforms" to "reduc[e] gun violence"
« Reply #41 on: September 22, 2014, 08:12:00 PM »
And usually those that want "some" firearms banned base those desires on misinformation or misunderstandings...such as relating Constitutional protections to hunting concerns, or believing that the police have some duty to protect you (the all too common reason such advocates suggest guns should only be available to police or military personnel...)....

I have certainly met individuals who do not fit that stereotype. It would be interesting to see actual statistics but that would be a fairly technical study that I doubt someone has done.

eyeeatingfish

Re: Obama calls for "common-sense reforms" to "reduc[e] gun violence"
« Reply #42 on: September 22, 2014, 08:29:23 PM »
The problem is not the type of weapon used to cause the havoc.  The problem is why are all these people going on killing sprees?  This is why the argument is not rational.  Many millions of people own semi automatic rifles and firearms, also many millions of people own automobiles.  Many many more die from negligent operation of automobiles than semiautomatic firearms.  A not too distant instance, a man in Guam used his car (and knife) to kill people in downtown Hagatna,  Yet no outcry to regulate cars and drivers more than what is already done, no cries to ban automobiles....

The real problem is currently being either covered up or overlooked by popular culture.  The real question is why are all these people going nuts?  What is the common factor in these cases of mass killing?  Until the real culprit is seriously investigated the problem will occur over and over regardless of "evil black rifle" bans. 

Banning the tool of the evil is thereby irrational.  Just because more people can be killed doesn't make it a rational argument.

I agree that the bigger more important question is why are these people going crazy and getting violent. However addressing the means used is attempting to address the issue, just from a different direction. I don't think it is irrational, it is just an easier answer than trying to figure out how to predict crazy people's violence.
Firearms make mass killings easier from the data that I have seen. Japan and other countries without firearms still have incidents of crazy people going on a rampage but statistically speaking fewer people actually die because the firearm is much quicker and more efficient at such a task. This is why firearms are an obvious target because the data supports the use of firearms to more people dying in such attacks. Again that is not irrational. I agree it isn't the best thing we could do to address the problem though.

Bottom line for me is this: We have opponents in life and we will get farther when we don't attack them as stupid. We are more likely to make progress by not alienating them. What may seem irrational to us may seem rational to them but if they are on the defense then they are less likely to consider our facts and arguments. I have to deal with a lot of unhappy customers at my job and 99% of the time being calm and nice gets more than arguing and insulting. I do not feel like spending more time summarizing gun control arguments in ways that seem rational, merely wanted to support my position that they do have some good arguments and we should treat them with respect even if we disagree.

eyeeatingfish

Re: Obama calls for "common-sense reforms" to "reduc[e] gun violence"
« Reply #43 on: September 22, 2014, 08:35:30 PM »
Sorry, but that's a dodge.  If you can't answer the question, then you have no logical basis upon which your "beliefs" can be supported.

Someone comes to your work or school and starts shooting randomly, would you rather him have an AK47 with 100 round drum or a 5 shot bolt action rifle with 95 more rounds in his pocket?

I will take my chances against the bolt action guy every time. Now don't get me wrong, you make fine points, but I am just explaining that there is a sane line of reasoning behind the argument, thus we don't need to insult our opponents as being all irrational. As I stated in the reply above this one I think we stand to get father by not being insulting.

Jdelacruz

Re: Obama calls for "common-sense reforms" to "reduc[e] gun violence"
« Reply #44 on: September 22, 2014, 08:43:29 PM »
I'd rather have option C. CCW.

mauidog

Re: Obama calls for "common-sense reforms" to "reduc[e] gun violence"
« Reply #45 on: September 22, 2014, 09:57:09 PM »
Someone comes to your work or school and starts shooting randomly, would you rather him have an AK47 with 100 round drum or a 5 shot bolt action rifle with 95 more rounds in his pocket?

I will take my chances against the bolt action guy every time. Now don't get me wrong, you make fine points, but I am just explaining that there is a sane line of reasoning behind the argument, thus we don't need to insult our opponents as being all irrational. As I stated in the reply above this one I think we stand to get father by not being insulting.

Apples and oranges. You might as well compare an AR-15 with a muzzle-loading musket if you want to try and make an unfair comparison!!

You can't compare a bolt action to a semi-auto.  Although, many bolt action rifles have magazines that can hold 5 or more rounds.  You just have to cycle the action manually which will slow the rate of fire, but not necessarily enough to greatly reduce casualties in a large crowd.

The shooter could have a semi-auto hunting rile, semi-auto shotgun, and/or semi-auto pistol. 

It does not matter if he chooses a semi-auto AK-47, semi-auto AR-15, semi-auto Browning BAR ShortTrac in .308, semi-auto Remington .750 Woodsmaster, or a semi-auto Browning BAR Safari in .338 Win. 

They are all auto loaders and can be quickly reloaded using detachable magazines.



Since your question is about my preference, if I could pick any capable firearm for an active shooter scenario (being on the side of the target), I'd rather he have an AR with a 100rd magazine.  Of all the choices I can imagine, that one has the greatest chance to malfunction.

Of course that's just me ... using probabilities instead of emotion to give an opinion.


Now, for the real lesson:  you cannot uninvent anything.  Magazines that hold > 10 rds exist.  If we make them illegal and ban them from civilians, do you actually think the guy walking into a school to commit mass murder will care about firearms laws?   Do you believe banning them makes them unobtainable?

Maybe we should try banning alcohol, opium, and other products that can be abused??      :wacko:
An unarmed man can only flee from evil, and evil is not overcome by fleeing from it.   -- Jeff Cooper

eyeeatingfish

Re: Obama calls for "common-sense reforms" to "reduc[e] gun violence"
« Reply #46 on: September 23, 2014, 09:23:51 PM »
I'd rather have option C. CCW.

We all would but that is dodging the intent of the question.

eyeeatingfish

Re: Obama calls for "common-sense reforms" to "reduc[e] gun violence"
« Reply #47 on: September 23, 2014, 09:35:05 PM »
Apples and oranges. You might as well compare an AR-15 with a muzzle-loading musket if you want to try and make an unfair comparison!!
You can't compare a bolt action to a semi-auto.  Although, many bolt action rifles have magazines that can hold 5 or more rounds.  You just have to cycle the action manually which will slow the rate of fire, but not necessarily enough to greatly reduce casualties in a large crowd.
The shooter could have a semi-auto hunting rile, semi-auto shotgun, and/or semi-auto pistol. 
It does not matter if he chooses a semi-auto AK-47, semi-auto AR-15, semi-auto Browning BAR ShortTrac in .308, semi-auto Remington .750 Woodsmaster, or a semi-auto Browning BAR Safari in .338 Win. 
They are all auto loaders and can be quickly reloaded using detachable magazines.



Since your question is about my preference, if I could pick any capable firearm for an active shooter scenario (being on the side of the target), I'd rather he have an AR with a 100rd magazine.  Of all the choices I can imagine, that one has the greatest chance to malfunction.
Of course that's just me ... using probabilities instead of emotion to give an opinion.
Now, for the real lesson:  you cannot uninvent anything.  Magazines that hold > 10 rds exist.  If we make them illegal and ban them from civilians, do you actually think the guy walking into a school to commit mass murder will care about firearms laws?   Do you believe banning them makes them unobtainable?
Maybe we should try banning alcohol, opium, and other products that can be abused??      :wacko:

Don't get hung up on the specific gun used in question, any number of guns could be used in that scenario and remained valid.
I specifically didn't mention muskets because they don't fit with the heart of the argument for people who think hunting rifles are ok. Thus a bolt action or even lever action are most applicable since they are guns that the moderates have no issue with.

Really, you would choose to have someone shooting at you do so with an AR15 rather than a bolt action on the off chance that he might hit a jam? Come on now, you can't be serious, or would you prefer a derringer for self defense since a semi auto pistol has more moving parts to go wrong?

Personally I don't think mag size limits would do much to address the problem. Rather I suppose a more effective proposal would be to ban firearms that can be reloaded quickly so I don't put any weight on the mag size restriction arguments.

Jdelacruz

Re: Obama calls for "common-sense reforms" to "reduc[e] gun violence"
« Reply #48 on: September 23, 2014, 10:05:36 PM »
The argument of being shot at with a bolt action vs. an AR-15 is irrelevant to me. It's sort of like saying would I rather be run over by a golf cart or an SUV or would I rather get shot with a 45 or a 22.. If in that type of situation I think everyone would choose the whatever they feel they have the best chances of surviving.

To make legislative decisions that infringe on the law-abiding's ability to effectively defend themselves based on a bad or worse scenario without taking into consideration other alternatives (such as CCW or armed guards) does not make any sense to me. It does seem like a manipulative way to control the argument.

Bottom line for me is an tool effective tool for war is also an effective tool for defense and peace. Anything less would mean the lawless will always be more effective than the law abiding.

mauidog

Re: Obama calls for "common-sense reforms" to "reduc[e] gun violence"
« Reply #49 on: September 23, 2014, 10:19:07 PM »
Don't get hung up on the specific gun used in question, any number of guns could be used in that scenario and remained valid.
I specifically didn't mention muskets because they don't fit with the heart of the argument for people who think hunting rifles are ok. Thus a bolt action or even lever action are most applicable since they are guns that the moderates have no issue with.

Really, you would choose to have someone shooting at you do so with an AR15 rather than a bolt action on the off chance that he might hit a jam? Come on now, you can't be serious, or would you prefer a derringer for self defense since a semi auto pistol has more moving parts to go wrong?

Personally I don't think mag size limits would do much to address the problem. Rather I suppose a more effective proposal would be to ban firearms that can be reloaded quickly so I don't put any weight on the mag size restriction arguments.

Why do you want to keep more effective weapons out of the hands of people trying to arm themselves for self defense?

Whatever you do to make guns "safer" only serves to make the gun less effective for self defense.

You can't make bad people harmless by making good people more helpless.


How about we make cars safer by putting speed governors on all new vehicles.  No more driving over 35 MPH.  It will save so many lives and so much gas!!

How can anyone argue against driving 35?  It's just common sense, since most fatal accidents happen over 45 MPH.  Think of the children!
An unarmed man can only flee from evil, and evil is not overcome by fleeing from it.   -- Jeff Cooper

eyeeatingfish

Re: Obama calls for "common-sense reforms" to "reduc[e] gun violence"
« Reply #50 on: September 24, 2014, 10:08:55 PM »
The argument of being shot at with a bolt action vs. an AR-15 is irrelevant to me. It's sort of like saying would I rather be run over by a golf cart or an SUV or would I rather get shot with a 45 or a 22.. If in that type of situation I think everyone would choose the whatever they feel they have the best chances of surviving.

To make legislative decisions that infringe on the law-abiding's ability to effectively defend themselves based on a bad or worse scenario without taking into consideration other alternatives (such as CCW or armed guards) does not make any sense to me. It does seem like a manipulative way to control the argument.

Bottom line for me is an tool effective tool for war is also an effective tool for defense and peace. Anything less would mean the lawless will always be more effective than the law abiding.

I suspect many would think that CCW would not be effective, or that the firearm would end up being misused more often than it would be used to stop a crazed shooter. For example it might get stolen more often or used in a case of anger, etc.
I think they would fear a wild west type situation where everyone had guns and always ended up shooting at each other if everyone had CCW. I don't know if that would happen but I do think there is more to a peaceful society than everyone having a firearm. Certainly there are countries where firearm ownership is common and yet violence is high. There are some other factors at work that would be vital to an armed but peaceful society.

I am just trying to show that there is a sane line of reasoning behind some of their arguments. I do not want to rehash all their arguments and piece them out and try to suppose what they might say, I am not going to debate their debate for them, I just recognize a certain sanity in their arguments even though I may disagree. I know moderates who have rational opinions on gun control and I can respect their position as an intelligent one even though I arrive at a different conclusion.

eyeeatingfish

Re: Obama calls for "common-sense reforms" to "reduc[e] gun violence"
« Reply #51 on: September 24, 2014, 10:17:05 PM »
Why do you want to keep more effective weapons out of the hands of people trying to arm themselves for self defense?
Whatever you do to make guns "safer" only serves to make the gun less effective for self defense.
You can't make bad people harmless by making good people more helpless.
How about we make cars safer by putting speed governors on all new vehicles.  No more driving over 35 MPH.  It will save so many lives and so much gas!!
How can anyone argue against driving 35?  It's just common sense, since most fatal accidents happen over 45 MPH.  Think of the children!

The line of reasoning is to keep that type of firearm out of the hands of everyone. A large portion of people who go on shooting rampages got their guns legally and up until the point where they started shooting they were not criminals but just good people. The kid who shot up the elementary school was a good responsible gun owner until he went out and murdered someone. Now it is true that the black market would still get some people those types of guns in the event that they were made illegal, but if the guns were outlawed it would be much harder to get. The responsible gun owner who goes on a shooting rampage wouldn't have one handy, the guy who burglarizes houses and sells the firearm wouldn't be able to get them because most homeowners wouldn't have the illegal gun, etc.
Banning it won't prevent the guns from getting on the illegal market but it would reduce the number available. That is the line of reasoning and there is a certain logic to it. Now you can disagree saying that it impedes on a freedom but that doesn't mean their argument isn't based on a logical line of reasoning.

mauidog

Re: Obama calls for "common-sense reforms" to "reduc[e] gun violence"
« Reply #52 on: September 25, 2014, 12:20:53 AM »
The line of reasoning is to keep that type of firearm out of the hands of everyone. A large portion of people who go on shooting rampages got their guns legally and up until the point where they started shooting they were not criminals but just good people. The kid who shot up the elementary school was a good responsible gun owner until he went out and murdered someone. Now it is true that the black market would still get some people those types of guns in the event that they were made illegal, but if the guns were outlawed it would be much harder to get. The responsible gun owner who goes on a shooting rampage wouldn't have one handy, the guy who burglarizes houses and sells the firearm wouldn't be able to get them because most homeowners wouldn't have the illegal gun, etc.
Banning it won't prevent the guns from getting on the illegal market but it would reduce the number available. That is the line of reasoning and there is a certain logic to it. Now you can disagree saying that it impedes on a freedom but that doesn't mean their argument isn't based on a logical line of reasoning.

You might want to recheck your stated facts:  "The kid who shot up the elementary school was a good responsible gun owner until he went out and murdered someone"

If you are referring to Adam Lanza, he owned zero guns.  The guns belonged to his mother.  In fact, he tried to buy a rifle just a few days prior to the shooting, but he didn't,  because he was unwilling to wait the required 14 days before taking the gun home.

So, if that's one of your main examples, it fails to support your hypothesis that "A large portion of people who go on shooting rampages got their guns legally and up until the point where they started shooting they were not criminals but just good people."

So far, you haven't addressed the fact that the most horrific school shooting involved two handguns.  This supports the opposing conclusion that, no matter what guns are legal to own, people who decide to go on a rampage will have the means to kill large numbers in a short time. .. AR-15 or AK-47 not required!

Hence, banning specific assault-type weapons will have no effect on the outcome of mass shootings.  This finding was documented by the CDC based on the impact of the 1994-2004 assault weapons ban.  No decrease, nor increase, in mass shootings nor the number of casualties could be correlated to the ban.

If you can't wrap your head around reality and insist on using hypothetical and what you think is "logical" results of bans, then there is little reason to further discuss this.  The bans have been tried, and the bans proved they have no impact on gun crime -- good or bad.  Bans are ineffective, and they should therefore be off the table when discussing what measures will actually help solve violence in general, not just gun violence.
An unarmed man can only flee from evil, and evil is not overcome by fleeing from it.   -- Jeff Cooper

Heavies

Re: Obama calls for "common-sense reforms" to "reduc[e] gun violence"
« Reply #53 on: September 25, 2014, 12:53:30 AM »
The problem is not the type of weapon used to cause the havoc.  The problem is why are all these people going on killing sprees?  This is why the argument is not rational.  Many millions of people own semi automatic rifles and firearms, also many millions of people own automobiles.  Many many more die from negligent operation of automobiles than semiautomatic firearms.  A not too distant instance, a man in Guam used his car (and knife) to kill people in downtown Hagatna,  Yet no outcry to regulate cars and drivers more than what is already done, no cries to ban automobiles....

The real problem is currently being either covered up or overlooked by popular culture.  The real question is why are all these people going nuts?  What is the common factor in these cases of mass killing?  Until the real culprit is seriously investigated the problem will occur over and over regardless of "evil black rifle" bans. 

Banning the tool of the evil is thereby irrational.  Just because more people can be killed doesn't make it a rational argument.

Jdelacruz

Re: Obama calls for "common-sense reforms" to "reduc[e] gun violence"
« Reply #54 on: September 25, 2014, 04:50:38 AM »
I suspect many would think that CCW would not be effective, or that the firearm would end up being misused more often than it would be used to stop a crazed shooter. For example it might get stolen more often or used in a case of anger, etc.
I think they would fear a wild west type situation where everyone had guns and always ended up shooting at each other if everyone had CCW. I don't know if that would happen but I do think there is more to a peaceful society than everyone having a firearm. Certainly there are countries where firearm ownership is common and yet violence is high. There are some other factors at work that would be vital to an armed but peaceful society.

I am just trying to show that there is a sane line of reasoning behind some of their arguments. I do not want to rehash all their arguments and piece them out and try to suppose what they might say, I am not going to debate their debate for them, I just recognize a certain sanity in their arguments even though I may disagree. I know moderates who have rational opinions on gun control and I can respect their position as an intelligent one even though I arrive at a different conclusion.

Have you ever visited this site? http://gunssavelives.net/ CCW is very effective.

As for the "wild west" argument. CCW is on the rise drastically

http://washington.cbslocal.com/2014/07/10/report-number-of-concealed-carry-permits-surges-as-violent-crime-rate-drops/.

Yet gun homicide rate is down 49% since 1993.

http://www.pewsocialtrends.org/2013/05/07/gun-homicide-rate-down-49-since-1993-peak-public-unaware

The reasoning is not sane as it is not backed up by facts. Their reasoning is backed up by assumptions. If they want to hold that position that's fine, they have every right to but they cannot tell me it's a logical position when it's based on assumptions and not fact. Their position then becomes and emotional position.

eyeeatingfish

Re: Obama calls for "common-sense reforms" to "reduc[e] gun violence"
« Reply #55 on: September 25, 2014, 12:34:18 PM »
You might want to recheck your stated facts:  "The kid who shot up the elementary school was a good responsible gun owner until he went out and murdered someone"

If you are referring to Adam Lanza, he owned zero guns.  The guns belonged to his mother.  In fact, he tried to buy a rifle just a few days prior to the shooting, but he didn't,  because he was unwilling to wait the required 14 days before taking the gun home.

So, if that's one of your main examples, it fails to support your hypothesis that "A large portion of people who go on shooting rampages got their guns legally and up until the point where they started shooting they were not criminals but just good people."

So far, you haven't addressed the fact that the most horrific school shooting involved two handguns.  This supports the opposing conclusion that, no matter what guns are legal to own, people who decide to go on a rampage will have the means to kill large numbers in a short time. .. AR-15 or AK-47 not required!

Hence, banning specific assault-type weapons will have no effect on the outcome of mass shootings.  This finding was documented by the CDC based on the impact of the 1994-2004 assault weapons ban.  No decrease, nor increase, in mass shootings nor the number of casualties could be correlated to the ban.

If you can't wrap your head around reality and insist on using hypothetical and what you think is "logical" results of bans, then there is little reason to further discuss this.  The bans have been tried, and the bans proved they have no impact on gun crime -- good or bad.  Bans are ineffective, and they should therefore be off the table when discussing what measures will actually help solve violence in general, not just gun violence.

My mistake, I meant gun user. Lanza apparently had regular use of the firearms owned by his mother.
According to this, the vast majority of mass shootings involved legally obtained firearms.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/wonkblog/wp/2012/12/14/nine-facts-about-guns-and-mass-shootings-in-the-united-states/

And it is not about me wrapping my head around it, remember that I am merely trying to summarize the other side's arguments, or at least the few of them that are based on a rational line of thinking. The gun control advocates do have a few good arguments and statistics on their side but most of us here recognize the need to balance that against the rights in the constitution. It doesn't mean we need to make fun of anyone who supports some form of gun control.

eyeeatingfish

Re: Obama calls for "common-sense reforms" to "reduc[e] gun violence"
« Reply #56 on: September 25, 2014, 12:40:56 PM »
Have you ever visited this site? http://gunssavelives.net/ CCW is very effective.

As for the "wild west" argument. CCW is on the rise drastically

http://washington.cbslocal.com/2014/07/10/report-number-of-concealed-carry-permits-surges-as-violent-crime-rate-drops/.

Yet gun homicide rate is down 49% since 1993.

http://www.pewsocialtrends.org/2013/05/07/gun-homicide-rate-down-49-since-1993-peak-public-unaware

The reasoning is not sane as it is not backed up by facts. Their reasoning is backed up by assumptions. If they want to hold that position that's fine, they have every right to but they cannot tell me it's a logical position when it's based on assumptions and not fact. Their position then becomes and emotional position.

Indeed, CCW saves a lot of people every year however according to this "After controlling for poverty and urbanization, for every age group, people in states with many guns have elevated rates of homicide, particularly firearm homicide."
http://www.hsph.harvard.edu/hicrc/firearms-research/guns-and-death/

There has been a big crime drop since the 90's but according to the researchers in Freakanomics, the largest factor in that appears to be the legalization of abortion in the 70s. I would be hesitant to suggest the violent crime rate drop was due to an increase in CCW.

mauidog

Re: Obama calls for "common-sense reforms" to "reduc[e] gun violence"
« Reply #57 on: September 25, 2014, 01:47:10 PM »
My mistake, I meant gun user. Lanza apparently had regular use of the firearms owned by his mother.
According to this, the vast majority of mass shootings involved legally obtained firearms.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/wonkblog/wp/2012/12/14/nine-facts-about-guns-and-mass-shootings-in-the-united-states/

And it is not about me wrapping my head around it, remember that I am merely trying to summarize the other side's arguments, or at least the few of them that are based on a rational line of thinking. The gun control advocates do have a few good arguments and statistics on their side but most of us here recognize the need to balance that against the rights in the constitution. It doesn't mean we need to make fun of anyone who supports some form of gun control.

No matter how many times you use the word "rational", it doesn't make the argument for gun control rational.  Gun control is not about gun violence.  It is about people wanting to FEEL safer.  Even when the crime and self defense numbers prove stricter gun laws do not solve violence, the agenda stays the same.  Why?  Because FEELING SAFER is an EMOTIONAL OBJECTIVE, and gun control is all about "doing something so people feel safer."

Pure emotion.  Not rational.  Maybe you are confusing "rational" and "rationalized"




ra·tion·al
ˈraSHənl,ˈraSHnəl/
adjective
adjective: rational

    1.
    based on or in accordance with reason or logic.
    "I'm sure there's a perfectly rational explanation"
    synonyms:   logical, reasoned, sensible, reasonable, cogent, intelligent, judicious, shrewd, common-sense, commonsensical, sound, prudent;
    down-to-earth, practical, pragmatic

ra·tion·al·ize
ˈraSHənlˌīz,ˈraSHnəˌlīz/
verb
verb: rationalize; 3rd person present: rationalizes; past tense: rationalized; past participle: rationalized; gerund or present participle: rationalizing; verb: rationalise; 3rd person present: rationalises; past tense: rationalised; past participle: rationalised; gerund or present participle: rationalising

    1.
    attempt to explain or justify (one's own or another's behavior or attitude) with logical, plausible reasons, even if these are not true or appropriate.
    "she couldn't rationalize her urge to return to the cottage"
    synonyms:   justify, explain, explain away, account for, defend, vindicate, excuse
    "he tried to rationalize his behavior"
An unarmed man can only flee from evil, and evil is not overcome by fleeing from it.   -- Jeff Cooper

Jdelacruz

Re: Obama calls for "common-sense reforms" to "reduc[e] gun violence"
« Reply #58 on: September 25, 2014, 02:15:23 PM »
I'd be hesitant to suggest violent crime rate drop was due to the legalization of abortion 20 years prior to the start of the decline of not just any crime but gun crimes.

http://www.lifenews.com/2011/06/02/freakonomics-claim-abortion-drops-crime-rates-refuted-again/

As for the Harvard study..... Here are some undisputed facts.

1. Crime rate is as a whole is dropping. Homicide Rate is dropping.
http://www.csmonitor.com/USA/Justice/2014/0219/FBI-reports-a-drop-in-crime-in-2013-why-the-rate-continues-to-fall
http://www.cnn.com/2013/05/08/us/study-gun-homicide/

2. More CCW than ever before.
http://www.nbcnews.com/id/34714389/ns/us_news-life/t/record-numbers-licensed-pack-heat/#.VCSvTPldVPM

Now has CCW caused the crime rate to drop? Maybe, maybe not, but it has not caused it to increase.

Indeed, CCW saves a lot of people every year however according to this "After controlling for poverty and urbanization, for every age group, people in states with many guns have elevated rates of homicide, particularly firearm homicide."
http://www.hsph.harvard.edu/hicrc/firearms-research/guns-and-death/

There has been a big crime drop since the 90's but according to the researchers in Freakanomics, the largest factor in that appears to be the legalization of abortion in the 70s. I would be hesitant to suggest the violent crime rate drop was due to an increase in CCW.

eyeeatingfish

Re: Obama calls for "common-sense reforms" to "reduc[e] gun violence"
« Reply #59 on: September 25, 2014, 04:23:00 PM »
I'd be hesitant to suggest violent crime rate drop was due to the legalization of abortion 20 years prior to the start of the decline of not just any crime but gun crimes.

http://www.lifenews.com/2011/06/02/freakonomics-claim-abortion-drops-crime-rates-refuted-again/

As for the Harvard study..... Here are some undisputed facts.

1. Crime rate is as a whole is dropping. Homicide Rate is dropping.
http://www.csmonitor.com/USA/Justice/2014/0219/FBI-reports-a-drop-in-crime-in-2013-why-the-rate-continues-to-fall
http://www.cnn.com/2013/05/08/us/study-gun-homicide/

2. More CCW than ever before.
http://www.nbcnews.com/id/34714389/ns/us_news-life/t/record-numbers-licensed-pack-heat/#.VCSvTPldVPM

Now has CCW caused the crime rate to drop? Maybe, maybe not, but it has not caused it to increase.


I don't doubt that the homicide rate is dropping, I am just saying that I haven't seen proof that CCW played a significant role in that drop. It would be very interesting to see what happens to Hawaii's crime rate if CCW were allowed.

As for the claim in freakanomics being disproven I am not so sure the article does it for me. I am not saying they are wrong but the source does have a bias to them and the piece appears to be written as an editorial. On top of that one of the links citing another study that supposedly showed legalized abortion causing higher crime was not even working. Now it may be true that the science done by the freakanomics guys is flawed somehow but I wouldn't consider it disproven just because some other expert claims differently. It really would require a more in depth analysis of the freakanomics data and that used by those contesting the claim. Not something I feel like reading into at this moment so I think I will just leave that issue as unsure for now. To be clear I am not a pro-choicer.