Myths, Lies and Straight Talk - A List of 10 Media-Fed Myths, MYTH # 5 — Guns Are Always Bad for Us

20/20 ^ | Dec. 30, 2005 | JOHN STOSSEL

[neverdem]

America is notorious for its culture of gun violence. Guns sometimes do cause terrible harm, and many kids are killed every year in gun accidents. But public service announcements and news stories make it seem as if the accidents kill thousands of kids every year.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, however, fewer than 100 kids 15 and under are killed in gun accidents every year. Of course that's horrible, and I understand why demonstrators say we need more gun control.

But guess what? The Centers for Disease Control recently completed a review of studies of various types of gun control: background checks, waiting periods, bans on certain guns and ammunition. It could not document that these rules have reduced violent crime.

The government wants to say regulations and laws like the Brady Gun Control Law are making a difference, but they aren't. Some maximum security felons I spoke to in New Jersey scoffed at measures like the Brady law. They said they'll have no trouble getting guns if they want them.

A Justice Department study confirmed what the prisoners said. But get this: the felons say that the thing they fear the most is not the police, not time in prison, but, you, another American who might be armed.

It's a reason many states are passing gun un-control. They're allowing citizens to carry guns with them, it's called concealed carry or right to carry. Some women say they're comforted by these laws.

But many people, including Rev. Al Sharpton, are horrified at the idea of concealed carry laws, and predict mayhem if all states adopt these laws.

But surprise, 36 states already have concealed carry laws; and not one reported an upsurge in gun crime.

[neverdem]

Don't miss MYTH #8 — Republicans Shrink the Government, and its thread John Stossel: Myth, Lies and Straight Talk (Re Republicans)

[vpintheak]

One of my most un-favorite "The more you know" or some other garbage, is the one that says, "Gun crimes hit home."
Well no freakin crap! All crimes hit home! At least I know the difference and will teach it to my kids.

[xcamel]

You beat me to it, I was going to say

No $h!t $h!rlock...

[netmilsmom]

I feel much safer with CCWs in my state. I personally don't carry, but no one knows that.
My neighbors have a ton of guns. I am always relieved to know that the wife is a nosy neighbor. I want her to be!!!!

[kerryusama04]

gun un-control

Cool new term.

[holymoly]

But guess what? The Centers for Disease Control recently completed a review of studies of various types of gun control: background checks, waiting periods, bans on certain guns and ammunition. It could not document that these rules have reduced violent crime.

Sadly, trying to pound this through the head of an anti-gun leftist would be like spitting into the wind.

[nightdriver]

An armed society is a polite society - by definition!

[xmission]

[Congressman Billybob]

John Stossel is one of the shining lights in the overall blackness of the MSM. It is amazing that he is still on the air. But his reporting is just so good that the suits cannot bring themselves to cut him off and fire him.

Congressman Billybob

Latest column: "Football, Warfare, and Public Policy"

[xmission]

[xmission]

[neverdem]

Thanks for your link. Happy New Year!

[traviskicks]

very good article. Stephan Moore is pres of Club for Growth and a libertarian, he is quoted throughout this article. Your call if its worth pinging the list.

[freepatriot32]

Libertarian ping.To be added or removed from my ping list freepmail me or post a message here

[proud_yank]

Sadly, trying to pound this through the head of an anti-gun leftist would be like spitting into the wind.

Amen. I've tried before, and you still get the same emotionalist crap: 'Guns were made to kill people' or 'If nobody at all had guns, then nobody would be able to shoot each other'. Rational thought and logic is simply lost on liberals. Not even worth the time/breath to debate with these idiots.