So are Americans actually really anti gun?

[The Exile]

There's a youtube show I watch that covers politics from a leftist point of view and in a recent video on gun control I grew concerned.
The host I usually agree with but I think his views on guns are based in ignorance and a line of thought that basically amounts to "gun crime stats justify any possible gun crackdown", predictably he'll even treat bump stocks like they're basically just drop in full auto FCG.

To get to the point of the topic he's been quoting some numbers that I find a bit difficult to believe but wanted to ask a wider audience on, he alleges that not only liberals and Democrats but now even a growing faction of Conservatives are turning sympathetic to gun control, some numbers include 90% Americans wanting background checks, and 70 percent agreeing with banning "high capacity" magazines, and supposedly the majority of Americans want to dig up the Clinton Ban's corpse.

I get that tempers flare and people grow frustrated when events like the ones in Florida happen too often for most people's tastes, but that just doesn't sound right.
It can't be, can it? Especially those of who you live in conservative areas do you know people who are generally of a conservative frame of mind who are starting to want stuff like that?

 

[Old Dog]

First off, paragraphs are your friend (presuming you desire to have your written word more easily understood). Moderator's comment: I have edited the OP's post.

I live in a fairly liberal area, and I'd posit that most hereabouts don't even think much about gun issues.

 

[ar-newbie]

To get to the point of the topic he's been quoting some numbers that I find a bit difficult to believe but wanted to ask a wider audience on, he alleges that not only liberals and Democrats but now even a growing faction of Conservatives are turning sympathetic to gun control, some numbers include 90% Americans wanting background checks, and 70 percent agreeing with banning "high capacity" magazines, and supposedly the majority of Americans want to dig up the Clinton Ban's corpse.

They very well may have poll results stating that, but you have to remember how they trick things and get funny with data. 90% of Americans likely support the EXISTING background check system which is in place.

I would also bet 90% of Americans who say that, aren't aware of how many of the recent tragedies were caused by failures of that same background check process, due to multiple failures of both the Federal Government, and State Governments being able fulfill their duties in said system.

It is crazy that people don't see it for what it is. Government fails it's duties, and claims even more laws are needed to fix the problem. No, to fix the problem government needs to be held accountable.

 

[Sovblocgunfan]

Those statistics have been largely proven false. Or at least shown to be grossly biased. But of you repeat a lie often enough and long enough...

And no, I don’t think your person is right at all. I live in southeast Texas. The number of “conservatives” I know who want such things is approximately zero.

 

[MidRoad]

I would take those "poll" numbers with a grain of salt . I don't believe statistics when they are based on politics or contreverasal issues. You don't know where they are getting these numbers from or how many people they asked. For instance you would get very different numbers if the poll was taken from a rural Texas town vs a group of people from say orange county california (just throwing names out there). Now if the number for the poll was used the the orange county group and they asked 20 people and 18 said they want better back ground checks and 14 said stricter capacity on magazines....well there's your 90% and 70% of Americans....... i wouldnt call that very accurate numbers to represent all of america. This is just a hypothetical though,idk where they get numbers for the polls from,just making a point. Yes it's a big thing in he news right now,but can't believe everything you hear.

 

[JT-AR-MG42]

some numbers include 90% Americans wanting background checks, and 70 percent agreeing with banning "high capacity" magazines, and supposedly the majority of Americans want to dig up the Clinton Ban's corpse.

I see the same type of poll numbers used every Sunday morning on the talking heads shows as well.
I'm willing to bet the polls (and pollsters) they use are the same ones that guaranteed a Clinton victory last Fall, and I still remember
the shock on all of their faces when things went differently on election night.

They (the 'in the know' folks at the top in the news media) still don't understand that there are a lot of people who didn't get the memo.
In the case of gun issues polls, one has to assume that the agenda is to come up with polls that are in lock step with the ultimate goal.

If all high capacity rifles were somehow magically removed from private ownership in this Country, how long would the anti crowd wait before
going after private ownership of handguns?

It seems to me that the antis have finally got their act together and realized that attacking only one group of firearms rather than guns as a whole
is their best chance of convincing the uninformed and blissfully ignorant.

Government fails it's duties, and claims even more laws are needed to fix the problem. No, to fix the problem government needs to be held accountable.

Agreed! How about a chart showing the percentage of previously convicted felons who were arrested in possession of a firearm during the
commission of another felony that actually were sentenced (Federal or State) and served additional time for having the gun in the first place?
THOSE numbers should be front and center on the National news.

JT

 

[caribou]

Murder has been illegal long before guns existed, and I just dont see a stop to such.

The Jaw Bone of an Ass or an AK-47, You have to at least have some equality in self defence.

 

[Ironicaintit]

There's so much you don't know about how and where he got his data.

Just don't forget; it's in his interest to make you think that his side is winning!

 

[CapnMac]

There is a "talking point" being parroted about which asserts that "fewer than 25% of Americans even own a gun."
No source is ever cited (typical of logical fallacies)--it's presented as logos when it is pathos. Actual phone polling gets mubers closer to 45% (of those willing to admit to a phone poller).

This spurious claim has two purposes. One is to minimalism gun owners as a "fringe" or not-mainstream group. The other is to inflate the number of guns per gun owner (so everyone has an "arsenal").

Now, some way-smarter-than-me people opine that the source of the number is by conflating low numbers of hunters and out-of-date surveys of NFA registrations per State.

Pretty much all the people I know in "our" community are solidly "pro" and busy trying to calm all the histrionics and emoting going on out there. They are also using calm, reasoned, logic in as persuasive a way as possible to quell the knee-jerk bandwagon jumpers among us all.

 

[MillennialGunslinger]

"There are lies, damned lies, and statistics"
- popularly misquoted to Mark Twain

I've wondered the exact same thing about that same statistic. I don't know what the question was, but I can't imagine 90% of gun owners stating that. Heck, I can't imagine 90% of gun owners agreeing on anything (not even that gun ownership is a good thing). I really suspect this is advocacy-based statistics. Like the 1 in 5 women get raped on campus myth, counting rape as any time either participant has had at least one drink (under the influence of alcohol and thus can't consent - rape). I'd say the chances of 90% of gun owners consciously agreeing to that are the same as the 90% chance of Hillary winning the presidency. Oh wait.

 

[mstreddy]

There's a youtube show I watch that covers politics from a leftist point of view and in a recent video on gun control I grew concerned.
The host I usually agree with but I think his views on guns are based in ignorance and a line of thought that basically amounts to "gun crime stats justify any possible gun crackdown", predictably he'll even treat bump stocks like they're basically just drop in full auto FCG.

OP, I'd say consider the source... "an admittedly leftist point of view, views on guns based on ignorance, gun crime stats justify any ... gun crackdown."
I mean, where would you start? Gun deaths in America don't make it to the top 20 leading causes of death - per CDC numbers. Of the approximately 30-33K "firearm" deaths per year, in most years since the 1980s, suicide typically accounts for 50-60%. That is 15 to over 16K (sometimes 20K) are self-inflicted. The remaining 15K include ALL other causes, accidents, crime, justifiable homicide (self defense or Police involved). To dig into the criminal numbers of gun-related deaths, you have to get into FBI/DOJ data.
All the data is there, you just have to look a bit. Here is a start for you: CDC Fast Stats. CDC Leading causes of Death for 2014.

There is more information out there where it broke down the leading causes of death state by state and in nearly all guns were not in the top 20. In a couple of states it was in the top 20, but somewhere between 15-20.
I'd have to look for those as it's been a year or so since I last referenced them.
Bottom line, don't believe the hype, inform yourself, question the statements and sources, do your own research.

 

[mstreddy]

BTW, even on more right leaning media, there are those that have no clue. The host on a radio show I sometimes listen to, has absolutely zero knowledge about guns. Yet, he's on the radio spewing his nonsense calling for "common-sense" laws and restrictions.

 

[FROGO207]

Hopefully the same pollsters as the Democrats had last election for sure. It all depends on the question asked and where the asked it (to get the results they wanted). We all need to ride the tide for awhile until the emotions and hysterics calm down. I will counter with facts and then flat out stop participating in the conversation rather than get into a shouting match with an emotional creature---for now.

FWIW Now we should go into attack mode on something held dear to the left. Demand that they require the same restrictions on buying alcohol as "we" presently do on firearms. Only one six pack a day, a 3 day waiting period to get alcohol, pass a federal background check to buy any, only purchase at a "approved" store, illegal to make high powered brew at home, require a permit to buy, etc. etc.

 

[Walkalong]

Antis have been lying about the support for gun control and pieces of it like background checks for years. It's the old, repeat a lie enough people start believing it.

 

[WestKentucky]

Statistics is essentially mathematic fiction. Statistics can show whatever you want it to show. Want to show candy bars as being worth $1000 then take your poll at a preschool. If you want to show people a number to make them think that the masses support gun control, poll Hollywood. I think your free info might be overpriced.

 

[Steel Horse Rider]

You need to ask the question "Why now?" People have had the ability to kill others on a random basis since the beginning of time, but we have only had these random group killings the past twenty or so years. What has changed? Is it the use of psychotropic drugs to control unruly juvenile behavior? Is it the denigration of Christian principles in all public venues? Is it the acceptance of intense violence in video games and movies? How about the destruction of the core family unit? Or the elevation of narcissistic behavior to an acceptable behavior? I do not think a rational being can argue that a piece of hardware can drive someone to the level of a tyrant. I own 3 AR's, 1 AK, and 3 SKS's as well as a larger number of semiautomatic traditional weapons and have yet to commit homicide. Explain that using the rationale of those who seek to disarm us.

 

[The Exile]

You need to ask the question "Why now?" People have had the ability to kill others on a random basis since the beginning of time, but we have only had these random group killings the past twenty or so years. What has changed? Is it the use of psychotropic drugs to control unruly juvenile behavior? Is it the denigration of Christian principles in all public venues? Is it the acceptance of intense violence in video games and movies? How about the destruction of the core family unit? Or the elevation of narcissistic behavior to an acceptable behavior? I do not think a rational being can argue that a piece of hardware can drive someone to the level of a tyrant. I own 3 AR's, 1 AK, and 3 SKS's as well as a larger number of semiautomatic traditional weapons and have yet to commit homicide. Explain that using the rationale of those who seek to disarm us.

That's something I think is hard to figure out because so many of these guys have a tendency to punch their tickets one way or another rather than be taken alive, but as we get more and more of them walking away in handcuffs the more we can give the shrinks to work with and try to hash out what makes a murderer. I think that would also go a long way to calming everyone down about blaming the guns, I recall back in October when the nut shot up that concert for the next few days everywhere I went everyone was basically asking why; I guess I'm alone in being able to swallow the idea that some guys are just crazy and do crazy things, but if we could answer that question for the panicked masses hopefully they'll calm down.

 

[MedWheeler]

"Would you support legislation that, if passed, would eliminate mass-shootings at schools?"

Who would say "no" to that? Of course the polls will show an overwhelming majority in favor. It's a no-brainer.

But, phrase the question in a way that's more dry and to the point: "Would you support a ban on the most-popular type of rifle in civilian ownership, of which there are currently over five million owners, and which belongs to a class of firearm of which over one million are sold each year?" Then, your answer would likely be markedly different.

And, as mentioned, there are a LOT of gun owners, tired of being vilified and lambasted, who will not admit much to an anonymous pollster.

EDIT: It appears at least two of you have missed the point I am making here. I am trying to show how pollsters get the results they want, not how they get accurate results. The two questions above are essentially the same, phrased differently for that exact purpose.

 

[caribou]

The emotional outpour from children can be pretty powerfull....when emotions rule, no ones using their head.

 

[Duster340]

These "emotional" children will be voters real soon. And eventually elected officials. Folks shouldn't underestimate their impact on elections in the very near future. I have two kids in HS, and have seen a lot of passion and motivation among their generation to impact the nation's future. Like their old man, my kids are avid shooters. And they appreciate target shooting and hunting (they love eating the game I harvest!). However, the impact and frequency of these mass high school murders has become a real world concern for them and their peers. I don't know what the solution to this horrible trend in mass shootings is, but I do believe the current movement among their generation is not just a flash in the pan.

Be well folks

 

[FL-NC]

I see a large lack of knowledge among Americans regarding all things related to guns, at least outside of the 2A culture (and often within our culture). This is perpetuated by anti politicians, liberl news, and people just repeating whatever they hear.

 

[huntsman]

I believe Americans are ignorant of things that are not a part of their daily lives, those that try to educate themselves are subject to fake news.

I don’t know which is more harmful to RKBA but this shouldn’t be a constant battle.

 

[Danoobie]

These politicians are speaking to an audience, addressing the tragedy of deaths in our schools. Calls for sterner gun control
measures sounds better than stating that we should guard our children, the same as we would money, gold or jewels.
Eliminating "gun free zones" SOUNDS like opening the floodgates to more violence, not leveling the playing field, as we know it would.


THE PRESS HAS BLOOD ON IT'S HANDS. Every time they publicize the name and
picture of a killer, they are doing precisely what that person wanted, in the first place.
You don't see any of these murderers trying to hide their faces or ID, DO YOU?

 

[Tirod]

OP says "I watch a leftist video commentator who I usually agree with."

Moving on, he says the commentator is delivering statistics showing most Americans want gun control.

Recent investigations by the Government show the election statistics in November which gave the popular vote to the liberal candidate are false, and the actual results are 90 million vs 57 million. The Attorney General is creating a Cyber Task Force to investigate further.

In the day and age where one Saudi Prince owns 60% of the mainstream media, and who was funneling money to ISIS, I'd say take anything you see or read with a grain of salt. It is not the America I wanted to grow old in - but it will be!

Anybody with a cell phone can be a video commentator, if you are hearing things you believe might be wrong, then they very will might be. Remember, when the government says you don't need a gun, then it is time that you DO need a gun. Every country that disarms it's people slides into a dictatorship and then kills all the dissenters.

If an anti gun propagandist is proposing that most Americans want guns banned, and 40% of Americans own guns numbering over 400 million firearms, it's time to check their numbers. I think they are getting their sources from the same people who expected she would never lose.

 

[hdwhit]

I'm very much anti-gun when they are in the hands of the wrong people. I'm very much pro-gun when they are in the hands of the right people.

The problem, of course, is segregating the "wrong" people from the "right" people and in any human system we sometimes make the wrong call and innocents suffer.