Devin, I wasn't being altogether serious with that statistic. Just trying to rile the gun nuts.
I figured it was at least partially something like that.
Two caveats to what you said though: 2006 being an all-time high for crime is irrelevant because population is going up, what's relevant is per capita crime, and that's been going down more or less steadily since the 1970s, and it's really hard to show any causal relationship for or against gun ownership given everything else going on. Also, while it is technically correct that guns aren't involved in every violent crime, the FBI page cited said that firearms were used in 67.1 percent of the Nation’s murders, 42.6 percent of robberies, and 20.9 percent of aggravated assaults in 2009.
Point(s) well taken!
That said, the issue is far more complicated than "more guns = less crime." There are many ways to make a society safe; an armed and educated citizenry is one of them.
I couldn't agree more, but "more guns = less crime" feels so nice rolling of the tongue. Actually, many of those who are more pro-gun than myself don't even take the time or effort to fully understand the responsibility and true (political and physical) power with which we are charged. I see this MUCH more often that I would like. I would really like to see more in the way of keeping people informed, granted we should do that on our own, but as a whole we seem to be slipping.
I don't pretend to know whether "that guy might have a gun" is going through the minds of criminals as they scope us out more now that five years ago
In my *opinion* this is the only thing that makes sense regarding the steep drop in crime since the "Obama will ban guns" scare that emptied gun stores across the counrty.
I do know that I prefer not to live my life with the physical burden of carrying a gun around or the psychological burden of living in "code yellow".
I respect that completely and would never try to convince anyone who feels this way otherwise. Personally I feel that I gain more from being aware of my surroundings than by any tool (firearm) that I may be forced to use someday.
Did anyone read the article on concealed carry in Harper's Magazine, "Happiness is a worn gun: My concealed weapon and me" by Dan Baum? Thoughtful article; I learned a lot from it.
I have never heard of this but once I get home and have some time I will definitely look into it.
Honestly, if anyone wants to do a bit of shooting some time let me know, I am always looking for people to shoot with. I usually go to my parent's place in Strawberry Plains where we have set up a few targets in/on a tree line. One could shoot anywhere from 5 to 130 yards with a solid/soil backstop if they wanted.
*** MEETING STUFF:
macclellan said:
I don't think we have a frag swap activity planned for this time around. Given the fact that we are going to hold the meeting at one of our sponsors' place of business, I'd prefer that we hold off until the Xmas meeting or the next when we are at an ETRC member's home to do another swap.
Hehe.
Very good point, I hadn't considered that it would be rude to do our own personal swap right in front of the business that makes a living by selling what we are trading. I definitely agree about having one at Christmas, I really enjoyed the last one.
I have ordered the parts for my ATO and have worked it out with Scott to help/build the ATO at the meeting. The total after shipping for my parts was less than $50 and I just need to get a small item or two (<$10). I already have a small Hydor Pico pump that I will be using to start with. I may pick up an Aqualifter if the Hydor doesn't fair too well @ 1' head.