Good discussion of data relevant to the gun control debate at the generally balanced and objective FactCheck.org. Unfortunately, the authors do not generally evaluate the reliability of the data or research. Many of the sources obviously have a motive to fudge. For instance, the folks who do the Small Arms Survey are clearly anti-gun.
Bottom line: the Second Amendment puts the burden of proof on the gun banners to demonstrate effectiveness, without significantly impairing the right to self-defense. They aren't even close. Thanks to Dale Christopherson for the link.
Similar rhetoric occurred during our country's constitutional debate over 226 years ago. One of my favorite quotes is the Pennsylvania Minority's proposals during their closing argument at the constitutional convention.
ReplyDelete"That the people have a right to bear arms for the defence of themselves and their own state, or the United States, or for the purpose of killing game; and no law shall be passed for disarming the people or any of them, unless for crimes committed , or real danger of public injury from individuals ...." R.Ketcham, ed. (1986) The anti-federalist papers and the constitutional convention debates, Signet Classic.
IMO, this statement alone says it all.
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ReplyDeleteThanks for the great quote.