What Utter Stupidity....

[dgs49]

What ever happened to "healthy skepticism"?

Many, if not most, of the studies linked or reproduced on this BBS are CLEARLY intended to reach a pre-chosen conclusion. The one cited by rubato is merely the most recent example.

MOST of the people who carry weapons in an urban environment like Philadelphia do so because (1) the places they go and (2) the people with whom they come into contact, and (3) the situations in which they find themselves, make it likely that a gun may be required or advisable at one time or another. THIS IS NOT A CROSS-SECTION OF AMERICAN SOCIETY, but rather a narrowly-chosen population with a much greater than average likelihood of being involved in gun violence. The conclusion of this study is obviously pre-ordained.

The typical person READING THAT STUDY (none of whom are Philadelphia gang-bangers) will only in extremely rare circumstances encounter a violent felon, witness felonious activity, or engage in activities that are likely to result in lethal assaults. A firearm - concealed or otherwise - is a form of insurance against such eventualities, and in the hands of a law-abiding, middle class person, is more likely to prevent or stop a violent crime from occurring.

An acquaintance of mine had his house burglarized a month or so ago, while he and his wife remained cowering in their bedroom. They made enough noise to let the burglar know he was not alone in the house, so only a few items were taken (and the guy was caught the following day). My friend now has now added some sturdier locks, electronic monitors, and a shotgun to his personal security arsenal.

Is he now less safe? Hardly.

[Sean]

But on a good note, NY city has a record low of murders this year.

Yes, but it's only January 4th...