While the editorial board's June 18th article, "State Must Take Stand Against Gun Violence" was certainly well-intentioned, its arguments were fueled by skewed, agenda-driven statistics. The VPC's numbers appear chilling, but minor digging shows their numbers are built on a shaky basis.
For instance, the VPC shows that the United States averaged 9.8 firearm related deaths per 100,000 in 2004. Of these, 57 percent were suicides. It is illogical to argue that firearms caused suicide.
Statistics show that those who are serious about suicide will find another way if the use of a firearm is not an option. According to the World Health Organization, the U.S.'s suicide rate is markedly below that of China and New Zealand, and on par with the United Kingdom. These data points are of note, because all of these nations sport draconian gun control measures.
The editors assert, "States with strict gun laws... registered fewer gun-related deaths." While this may be true for some states, it is misleading to make a sweeping generalization about the entire Nation. As an example, the VPC fails to note the firearm- related death rate in Washington, D.C., despite being based there. While the District is not a state, surely its CDC-reported rate of 23.8 firearm related deaths per 100,000 is notable. It is apparent that these facts have not escaped the chiefs at the VPC. Josh Sugarmann, the VPC's founder and CEO, is a registered firearms dealer according to the BATFE (1-54-XXX-XX-XX-00725). This gives Mr. Sugarmann the legal right to flout many of the harsh handgun laws endured by the citizens of the District.
The authors also argue that the state's endgame to reduce firearm related deaths should involve "heftier restrictions on obtaining them." This philosophy is not borne out by the facts. Among the 15 states with the highest homicide rates, 10 have restrictive or very restrictive gun laws.
It stands to reason that criminals would be more successful in an environment where their quarry is denied the tools of self-defense. If we make firearm ownership a crime, only criminals will have firearms.
Unintentional firearm related deaths in the U.S. in 2004 comprised 2 percent of the total. Nonetheless, the article goes on to posit that unintentional firearm related deaths in the state could be reduced by popularizing handgun safety training courses.
This is undoubtedly true. However, it is currently somewhat difficult to take the course in Lee County. The Sheriff's department does indeed offer such a course, but it is only offered a few times a year, and it fills up quickly.
Perhaps if the state wishes to get serious about reducing accidental firearm related deaths, more emphasis and resources should be put into such classes. Indeed, driver's education is taught in the state's high schools as an elective to reduce automobile related fatalities. However, to suggest that such classes should be required as part of a firearm licensing scheme is tantamount to an affront to patriotism.
Would you support a free speech license? Would you be in favor of a measure that requires you to take a class before voting?
While all firearm related deaths are unfortunate, it is important to review the facts before jumping to conclusions. Opportunities to ensure the safety and security of all Alabamians should be paramount, but not at the expense of our basic freedoms.
Matt Zorn
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