More guns don’t cut crime

Did you know that in Florida, there are 1.09 million gun permits for concealed-carry? Ohio is set to issue an estimated 130,000 new permits this year, twice the number issued last year. Last year, Texas, Utah and Wisconsin combined issued 537,000 concealed-carry permits. Some states allow the permit holders to carry in churches, bars and schools. The question is does it help?

According to economist John Lott, author of “More Guns, Less Crime,” concealed-carry has reduced violent crimes. Research from the National Research Council has found no link between concealed-carry and drops in crime. Findings for the past year from the Violence Policy Center show that about 500 people were fatally shot by concealed-carry permit holders, of which, to date, 164 have been convicted of manslaughter or homicide.

Craig Steckler, president of the International Association of Chiefs of Police, found in his 21-year career only “one incident in which someone effectively defended himself with a firearm.”

Are people really safer with so many of us packing? Sheriff Dart of Cook County, Ill., says, “Without guns, it’s a fist-fight. With guns, it’s a shooting.” Given the choice, I’m for fist-fights.

GAILEN MILES
Member of Organizing for Action
ROANOKE

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