Gun violence figure cited in letter is absurd and bizarre

An assertion by the author of a letter to the editor in the Dec. 7 Herald invites a response: “If we need gun control at all, it’s for the liberals because they’re the ones doing 99.99 percent of the killing with firearms.” Consider that according to the National Center for Disease Control, the number of deaths in our country from firearms over recent years has averaged 33,000 per year. The writer would have us believe then, that liberals have been responsible (on average) for 32,996 of those deaths.

Fortunately, most readers still allow facts and a bit of common sense to influence their thinking. Thus, it’s a reasonable guess that they will agree that until some level of proof is offered to support the above accusation, the extreme improbability of its accuracy justifies its dismissal as rubbish. But even as we giggle at this latest absurdity, we are reminded again of how eager some people are to believe (and repeat) any foolishness which makes them feel good and serves their purpose.

Luckily this won’t change so we can continue to look forward to being entertained and amused by provocative (bizarre) commentary born only of outrage and hate. And “Happy Holidays” to all!

Dan Postema

Everett

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