In response to Patricia Franklin’s vehement letter about the “obscene weapons” sold by “true monsters” (the gun sellers), she needs to get her facts straight. (“Protests would be effective in front of gun shows, shops.”)
Is she aware that doctors and nurses kill 33 people per 100,000 people annually while guns cause only 10.3 deaths per 100,000. Should we protest in front of medical clinics and hospitals? The Prius causes 14.5 deaths per 100,000 while all cars cause 12 deaths per 100,000. Alcohol kills 33 and tobacco kills 150 per 100,000. The most egregious “monsters” are governments worldwide that have killed 2.6 million of their own citizens in the 20th century.
According to the Crime Prevention Research Center, people who carry concealed sidearms for personal protection and are licensed to do so are among the most law-abiding groups in the country. That number has risen by 215 percent since 2007 to 14.5 million citizens.
Gun control proponents have argued that more guns in private hands translates to more violent crime, but that hasn’t happened. According to the FBI Uniform Crime Reports, homicides have declined over the past several years, and firearms are involved in a shrinking number of killings.
It might be far better if parents as they raise their children, teach respect for the law, respect for themselves and each other and the dangers of emotionally reacting to everything that ever happens to them. In addition, adults who own guns have a responsibility to keep and handle guns safely and securely at all times. Gun safety classes are excellent ways to increase awareness and knowledge.
Catherine Paxton
Arlington
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