Quote:
Originally posted by henry fitch
does the effect of gun legislation on gun homicide rates really matter? I'd think the really important number would be its effect on overall homicide. If people go on killing just as much but they use clubs or whatever, it doesn't matter much.
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This kind of thing is one reason there's so much controversy about statistics on this issue. The crime-increasing effect of handgun prohibition doesn't necessarily result in more *handgun* crime, or even in more murder. Disarmed citizens are more vulnerable to armed thugs, who can operate with the assurance that their victims won't be better armed than they are. If a mugger knows his knife won't be trumped by a legal handgun, there's a disincentive to pull an (illegal by definition; guns may not legally be owned by convicted felons here anywhere) gun.
Jag--read *all* the words: handgun *control* capital--handguns are illegal in DC unless you're a cop. That the murder rate is so high doesn't exactly support your point. :-)
Or a congressman, since they or their bodyguards can get FBI carry permits vaild anywhere in the country. Unfortunately the laws for DC are made by Congress, who dosen't actually *live* there.