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November 1, 2012
#gunvote: More guns, still less crime
According to the most recent crime data released by the FBI for 2011, violent crime is down for the fifth straight year. When one drills down into the data, the long-term trend is astounding: Violent crime has fallen 65 percent since 1993.
While there are many factors in the mix, it is incontrovertible that firearms ownership continued to grow, by astronomical rates, over the same time period.
Yet, President Obama has stated that he wants to ban commonly-owned modern sporting rifles, and has also opened the door to new restrictions on what he calls “cheap handguns.” He has clearly failed to learn from his home city of Chicago. Chicago’s rates of violent crime and homicide continue to rise, yet the city government still continues to erect roadblocks to implementation of the Supreme Court’s decision in McDonald vs. Chicago. As a result, it remains nearly impossible for law-abiding citizens to purchase or own a handgun in the city limits. On top of that, the county where Chicago is located wants to institute a $.05 per bullet tax and a $25 tax on each new firearm purchased. These new taxes will make it even more difficult for law-abiding citizens to protect their families, lives, and property.
The election is a week away and countless issues are in the headlines, but the new data underscore the facts: crime goes down when more people are able to protect themselves and their homes. This is not just an academic argument. Despite the overwhelming evidence, some politicians would still scapegoat gun owners. We know who they are. And we know who they’re running against on this year’s ballot.
Don’t risk your rights this November — #gunvote
Categories: Government Relations, Top Stories
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