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is a long time coming Gun Deaths

2015-04-10 13:15:04.33015+00 by Dan Lyke 2 comments

This is a long time coming: Gun Deaths Outpace Motor Vehicle Deaths in 17 States and D.C. in 2013 http://www.vpc.org/studies/gunsvscars15.pdf

[ related topics: Guns ]

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#Comment Re: is a long time coming Gun Deaths made: 2015-04-11 11:49:12.040593+00 by: stevesh [edit history]

The usual pap from the anti-gun people. The stats seem to be true, though it's the decrease in traffic deaths that's making the comparison look the way it does, but what isn't mentioned is the fact that all the regulations and modifications in vehicle and road design that led to the increase in highway safety didn't impair the utility of cars to perform their intended function. Not true of guns. The only meaningful way to 'regulate' guns to make them safer is to ban their ownership, which is the VPC's goal, all the sophistry notwithstanding.

That report also conveniently doesn't break out causes of death. Over half of all gun deaths in the US are suicides. I think it's safe to assume that most of those people would find another method if a gun wasn't available.

It's also interesting that we don't blame cars for the traffic deaths which do occur; the blame is properly placed on the drunk, incompetent or distracted drivers in most cases.

#Comment Re: is a long time coming Gun Deaths made: 2015-04-12 18:52:46.658039+00 by: Dan Lyke

Agree on all points except for the last one:

How often do we see traffic deaths described as "accidents"? How often do we see successful prosecutions for vehicular manslaughter, or even assault with a deadly weapon?