Ho hum another more guns = less violence

[Sky]

http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2012/jun/18/gun-ownership-up-crime-down/

The FBI’s National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS) serves as one of the best indicators of gun sales because it counts each time someone buys a gun. Checks hit an all-time high of 16.5 million last year. In the first five months of this year, the numbers have gone up 10 percent over the same period last year as Americans rush to the gun store in case President Obama decides to exercise “more flexibility” in restricting guns in a second term.

 

[TurtlePhish]

It's nice to look at and IS true, but take it with a grain of salt and realize that correlation does not mean connection all the time. For example, global warming is up and piracy is down from the 1800s. Does that mean global warming eliminates pirates? Or do pirates reduce global warming? Although it IS possible that more guns DOES lead to less crime, there are many, many other factors at play.

 

[firesky101]

I am going to have a glass half full opinion today. At least, if nothing else, gun sales are up.

 

[Skribs]

At least he made a reference that nobody would believe. Whether you believe it exists or not, or its man-made or not, its pretty obvious that it has nothing to do with pirates.

The problem he is pointing out is that gun owners look at these stats and say "look what gun ownership does!" And then antis say "look what gun control does!" with their own stats. Stats without context are just numbers.

 

[Sky]

hahhaa did not take it personal and find such discussions informative. Obviously not politically correct in some people's minds as many things.

 

[19-3Ben]

It's nice to look at and IS true, but take it with a grain of salt and realize that correlation does not mean connection all the time. For example, global warming is up and piracy is down from the 1800s. Does that mean global warming eliminates pirates? Or do pirates reduce global warming? Although it IS possible that more guns DOES lead to less crime, there are many, many other factors at play.

In statistics, this is referred to as correlation and causation.

I like your example with the pirates. Very clever.

 

[youngda9]

More guns = Less pirates.

 

[Texan Scott]

ROBOTS cause global warming... and reduce pirates. It's really surprising that simple answers like this elude so many scientists.

 

[tightgroup tiger]

I guess I need to go buy some more guns to shoot robots with. Hmmm

 

[bushmaster1313]

At the very least, the anti's cannot say that there is a correlation between total gun ownership and total crime.

 

[RBid]

Look at crime rates, by state. Then, key in on the states with the best and worst gun laws. Lastly, throw the gun law filter back out, and look at crime rate relative to population density.

I really wanted to find proof that it was as simple as, "an armed society is a polite society". Sadly, it's not that simple.

 

[JSpear]

Come on guys, we all know the robots are not attacking till 2024, geez!
It is still nice to see a positive article

 

[velojym]

Meh, I heard somewhere that 76% of statistics are made-up.

 

[hso]

Thee valuable take away from crime and firearms ownership is that there's no correlation between high rates of gun ownership and high rates of violent crime or violent crime where a firearm was used. That negative relationship is very very important to us in undermining the Anti's argument that gun ownership is related to violent crime. THAT relationship is shown to be false.

If high rates of firearm ownership can't be correlated to violent crime then there's no reason for Antis to want to deny law abiding citizens the right to own and carry a firearm. They're pointing the wrong cause for violence and they're looking for the wrong solution.

 

[FIVETWOSEVEN]

What gun do you guys recommend to fight robots? Would a Taurus Judge be good enough? I have it loaded with nasty birdshot.
At the rate of gun ownership and robots, more guns = more robots. We must be prepared!




John Lott's book, more guns less crime comes to mind right now.