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When it comes to gun control laws, or any other law for that matter, it’s not the law that changes things, it’s the enforcement of those laws. Which means, laws are more intended for law-abiding citizens than criminals.
So what will more “gun control laws” actually do? Nothing, of course, except infringe even further on the rights of law-abiding Americans. Lawbreakers will pay no more attention to more new laws than they have the past decades of gun control laws
But that’s what all the screaming liberals are after now — more gun laws. So what are some of our arguments against more “gun control” measures? Here’s a few:
1) Appeal to their own self interest — remind them you’re not just a law-abiding gun owner, you’re one of their constituents and you will not forget how they vote on this issue.
2) Remind them that the modern sporting rifle is this generation’s equivalent of the lever-action repeating rifle of the 1800s or the bolt action Mausers and Springfields of World War I and II. It is the rifle today’s returning soldiers use for recreational purposes because it’s the rifle they know inside and out.
3) Offer this fact: The Public Safety and Recreational Firearms Use Protection Act of 1994 (the “assault weapon ban”) did absolutely nothing to reduce crime. When it expired in 2004, crime didn’t spike. The National Academy of Sciences studied U.S. gun laws and reported it could find no links on restrictions of gun ownership and lowered crime rates, firearms violence or even accidents with guns.
4) Gun ownership has increased steadily for most of the past 20 years — and violent crime and murder has dropped, almost by half.
5) The change that has worked repeatedly is the removal of prohibitions against individuals carrying guns for personal protection. Criminals and crazies prefer gun-free zones, not places where individuals aren’t easy pickings.
And don’t forget that the proof is in the pudding: Chicago and Washington, D.C. are the poster cities for anti-gun legislation. Compare their crime rates with your town. Encourage your officials not to be swayed by emotional rhetoric when the facts don’t support anti-gun arguments.
Bill Karr is editor of Western Outdoor News.
The Mountain Democrat does not necessarily condone the comments here, nor does it review every post. Read our full policy
RichardJanuary 23, 2013 - 8:00 am
Mr. Karr is the recipient of two NRA sponsored Public Services Recognition Awards from that organization: one for his NRA ‘SHOOT FOR THE FUTURE’ and the other,”YOUTH OUTDOOR FAIRS, that has introduced approximately 45,000 youngsters, to mostly gun related activities. I feel I can honestly call Mr. Karr, just another biased NRA gun lobbyist.
Bill KarrJanuary 23, 2013 - 8:14 am
As with all left-leaning folks, Richard makes it loose and easy with his "facts". Distortion is the byword of the day for liberals, especially after listening to President Obama's acceptance speech. The truth is, the two awards I was given were from the Outdoor Writers Association of California, and had nothing to do with the NRA. And my YOUTH OUTDOOR SPORTS FAIR was far more than just gun-related activities, and I introduced well over half a million kids during the 20 years of the Youth Fair. Most caught their first fish--a far cry from "gun-related" activities.
RichardJanuary 23, 2013 - 8:28 am
I’m proud of you, your many accomplishments and of your service in the USN. But it doesn’t change the fact that the NRA is the foundation of what you’re doing and your submitted article is biased...
Dink LaneJanuary 23, 2013 - 1:17 pm
Bill Karr said: "It’s not the law that changes things, it’s the enforcement of those laws." Well I agree..... BUT .... Gutting the information needed to ENFORCE those laws IS a problem...... Our own Sheriff -- D'Agostini sent out Press Releases saying ..... He WON'T trace the weapons he collects in CRIMES... That's what VP Biden's letter requested ..... To FOLLOW the law .... that the NRA + ALEC has worked so hard to BLOCK anyone even asking for enforcement information ...... Come on people... let's use some COMMON SENSE!
Ken SteersJanuary 24, 2013 - 7:12 am
Bill, first great letter! Your points are thoughtful as well as accurate. Now as a reminder, I know that it's hard to do but realize who is posting and why. Richard and Dink. Neither are real. There is no Dink Lane in America let alone Eldorado County. And Richard? I think she's just lonely.
EvelynJanuary 24, 2013 - 7:41 am
Apparently there is at least one Dink Lane. He lives in Marietta, GA.
EvelynJanuary 24, 2013 - 7:44 am
. . . and HERE we have 230 Rinky Dink Lane!
EvelynJanuary 24, 2013 - 7:52 am
. . . finally, at the Auburn Journal - HERE
cookie65January 24, 2013 - 8:45 am
Having a discussion with the left based on evidence and reasoning is a total waste time. Especially when it comes to the unlimited power of the government. Remember it isn't the results of leftism and the misery created by it but their intentions that matter. They use the indoctrination of useful idiots to keep repeating the same old demons and enemies. Richard is a well rehearsed example of that indoctination. Any discussion of the 2nd amendment he is trained to respond with some rant about the NRA. Pavlov's dog.
EvelynJanuary 24, 2013 - 8:48 am
Speaking of the unlimited power of the government, "Cops Nab 5-Year-Old for Wearing Wrong Color Shoes to School" HERE.
Ken SteersJanuary 24, 2013 - 9:14 am
After a "richard" type in depth research of one Bill Karr. I have discovered that he is the editor of the Western Outdoor News. Many NRA members read this magazine.
robertdnollJanuary 24, 2013 - 9:45 am
no ---- sherlock
PaddyJanuary 24, 2013 - 11:37 am
Gun Control: "The Theory that a woman found dead in an alley, raped and strangled with her own pantyhose, is somehow morally superior to a woman explaining to police how her attacker obtained a fatal bullet wound."
ScottJanuary 24, 2013 - 11:42 am
All of these suggestions make a lot of common sense to these suggestions, and I agree with the premise being put forward. There's one major problem; when have Liberals ever paid attention to common sense, let alone cold, hard fact? The Liberal Agenda is not to prevent gun-related crime, but to eventually confiscate all civilian firearm ownership, fact, reason and common sense be d**ned.
cookie65January 24, 2013 - 12:16 pm
Did you see this one. A school put on lockdown over a lime green nerf gun. http://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/local/Elmont-High-School-Long-Island-Placed-Lock-Down-186931511.html
Carlos SanchezJanuary 24, 2013 - 8:13 pm
When you have God why do you need a gun?
james bradenJanuary 24, 2013 - 9:30 pm
Carlos: your simplicity is brilliant. God=Gun. What's wrong with the equation? Jesus didn't/wouldn't carry a gun. The phallic quest for gun rights is so... UnGodly. Wake up people. Drop your arms, find God's love instead. Relax, release fear.
Carlos SanchezJanuary 25, 2013 - 5:16 am
James it is like I tell others. What should I fear of any man who can ONLY destroy my flesh when it is God who can destroy both flesh and spirit in Sheol. It is not rocket science and never has been. God has this. Obviously man does not have this but man sure did get us into this mess we are in now didn't he. I was born 50 years too late I think.