Quote:
Originally Posted by GatorB
Great and for every story like that I can show you 100 where a gun in the home was either used by family member on another family member in an argument or was found by a child and accidentally discharged and killed that child or another child. Sorry I'm a numbers guy and I go by the numbers to do what is best. "Needs of the many outweigh the needs of the few" and all.
|
Well - lets have some more facts...
In 2005 - there were nearly 31,000 deaths from firearms in the US.
- 55% were SUICIDE (or 17,050)
- 40% were homicide (or 12,400)
- 3% were accidental (or 930)
- 2% were justifiable (or 620)
In the same year, there were 2,447,900 deaths in the US.
You can argue that taking away firearms entirely would drastically reduce those numbers - as the availability would limit their occurrence, and you would be right.
The other side could also argue that putting more guns in the hands of law-abiding citizens would also reduce the crime rates - as the availability would act as a deterrent.
But the fact is, in the US, gun ownership is a constitutional right. Until the people see fit the modify that constitution - any argument will end in non-action.
For me, I was taught about and used firearms at an early age, and have therefor always been comfortable around weapons. My children are now at the ages (11,15) where I am going to teach and introduce to them. For their safety, I did chose NOT to keep firearms in my house while they were little. Now that they are the ages they are, its time they learn.
Starting with a 12guage shotgun! The best in home defense!