Re: Bogus argument / Very simple to falsify

while you're out statistics gathering,
check the numbers on # of homicides in states where concealed handgun
permits are issued.
anti-gun people tend to conventiently leave out such "incidentals"

On Aug 31 2005 11:56 AM, Executive Crackhead wrote:

> Hi art_classmn -
>
> "Countries like Switzerland (and perhaps Canada, though I'm having
> trouble
> finding statistics on that), that have a higher per-capita rate of gun
> ownership than the U.S. have substantially lower homicide rates,
> including
> rates of murder by firearm."
>
>
> This is an incredibly misleading statistic that is constantly
> regurgitated by NRA advocates and others. Some likely understand the
> fundemantally flawed premise, but others likely just lap it up because
> it fits their meme well.
>
> Here is the thing.
>
> We should only worry about the number of 'firearms per capita' if we
> were to make the ridculous assumption that all types of firearms are
> used equally in crimes and / or accidental shootings. A 38 special and
> a muzzle loading musket are both firearms. In order for us to draw any
> useful conclusions about the 'firearms per capita' versus a
> relationship to crime, you would expect to go through the records of
> muggings you would find that a handgun was used to rob someone with the
> same frequency that a muzzlue loader musket is used to rob someone.
> Obviously, both are firearms. Just as obviously, when we compare the
> number of people shot by handguns versus the number of people shot with
> muzzle loaders, we come up with very different rates.
>
> Of course, this small detail is completely left out of your analysis.
> Or do you honestly believe that .22 hunting rifles are used in the
> commission of crimes with the same frequency of handguns? If so, you
> are a moron. If not, you need to restate your argument.
>
> Switzerlad and Canada indeed do have more FIREARMS per capita, but they
> have far, far fewer HANDGUNS per capita.
>
> A simple google search of 'handguns per capita' will confirm that
> indeed, the US has much higher rates of handguns per capita than
> Switzerland or Canada. Go figure.
>
> - cm

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Relevant Pages

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