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originally posted by: vor78
The most interesting theory I've seen on it (and admittedly, I have not had a chance to try to pick it apart), is that the declines in violent crime in western society over the last quarter century are largely attributable to the bans on lead-based gasoline, paint and other products during the same time period. At a glance, it seems to make perfect sense, too, given that lead exposure has been tied to declines in IQ, impaired judgement, and behavioral issues. Where is violent crime at its worst? In the high population density inner cities. Where would you expect lead concentrations to be the worst? In the high population density inner cities. Its something I intend to read up on when I get a chance, and it may fall apart under further scrutiny, but at a glance, its an interesting theory, at the very least.
originally posted by: projectvxn
a reply to: SlapMonkey
Please dont confuse me for an Obama supporter.
Healthcare does have a lot to do with crime, in the sense that mental health is addressed.
In the sense that guns are used to counter a crime in progress or to stop victimization we agree. But the gun iself does not prevent criminality any more than it causes it.
originally posted by: projectvxn
originally posted by: PhoenixOD
The murder rate has been dropping in the UK as well and we don't have legalized guns.
The UK and the US are completely different nations. Economics, demographics, education, healthcare. Its an apples to oranges comparison.
originally posted by: thisguyrighthere
a reply to: wulff
There is not enough to show that permits are contributing much if anything to the reduction of crime.
Doesnt mean the stat is worthless.
At the very least we can say that more permits and more people carrying has not lead to an increase in crime as so many anti's have promised us would be the case.
I'm still waiting for the streets to run with blood. Been waiting 30 years now. Got my hip waders and everything.
In America, it's called a "hot" burglary - a burglary that takes place when the homeowners are present - or a "home invasion", which is a much more accurate term. Just over 10 per cent of US burglaries are "hot" burglaries, and in my part of the world it's statistically insignificant: there is virtually zero chance of a New Hampshire home being broken into while the family are present. But in England and Wales it's more than 50 per cent and climbing. Which is hardly surprising given the police's petty, well-publicised pursuit of those citizens who have the impertinence to resist criminals.
Personally...I'd prefer to hear that violent crime HASN'T gone down, and that citizen shot/killed criminals has gone up.
originally posted by: Mommymomo
As a supporter of Second amendment rights, I understand the importance. I'm not too fond of open carry, however, I do not live in a state that permits it. As a former Yankee, I thought owning a gun was absurd. Now as a transplant to the south, I realize the importance in the right to carry. Fear seems to dictate most anti gun agendas. Once I overcame the "mass media induced fear", I realize the value of gun ownership. It is a big responsibility, however, it is even more fundamental to maintaining a civil country. The balance needs to be there. You don't need to be the gun owner, but by supporting the cause, you are exercising your fundamental rights as an American!
originally posted by: FyreByrd
a reply to: NonsensicalUserName
Consistancy people - consistancy.
States rights when you want - but not about guns.
Love the throughtful ideas.
originally posted by: bbracken677
Regarding the difference between Britain and the US.
"Hot burglaries"
In America, it's called a "hot" burglary - a burglary that takes place when the homeowners are present - or a "home invasion", which is a much more accurate term. Just over 10 per cent of US burglaries are "hot" burglaries, and in my part of the world it's statistically insignificant: there is virtually zero chance of a New Hampshire home being broken into while the family are present. But in England and Wales it's more than 50 per cent and climbing. Which is hardly surprising given the police's petty, well-publicised pursuit of those citizens who have the impertinence to resist criminals.
originally posted by: wulff
A dramatic spike in the number of Americans with permits to carry concealed weapons coincides with an equally stark drop in violent crime, according to a new study, which Second Amendment advocates say makes the case that more guns can mean safer streets.
The study by the Crime Prevention Research Center found that 11.1 million Americans now have permits to carry concealed weapons, up from 4.5 million in 2007. The 146 percent increase has come even as both murder and violent crime rates have dropped by 22 percent.
Between 2007 and the preliminary estimates for 2013, murder rates have fallen from 5.6 to 4.4 per 100,000.
When criminals think THEY may become the victims they go after the 'softer targets'.
As much as anti-gun people want to admit, the statistics are showing drop in murder since states tired of the left attacking the constitution fight back!
Source PDF File ( Direct Download)
originally posted by: bbracken677
a reply to: WeAreSound
I will look up and post the stats on home invasions in the UK vs US later. That will take the wind out of the UK is better without guns crap.
Home invasions of homes that are occupied at the time is startling. Reason? Chances of a home owner being able to defend themselves is nil. Not so in the US where burglars want to do their work in unoccupied homes.
originally posted by: WeAreSound
Some statistics on Uk vs USA on both overall murder and gun crime for 2010-2011
Number of Murders, United States, 2010: 12,996
Number of Murders by Firearms, US, 2010: 8,775
Number of Murders, Britain, 2011*: 638
(Since Britain’s population is 1/5 that of US, this is equivalent to 3,095 US murders)
Number of Murders by firearms, Britain, 2011*: 58
(equivalent to 290 US murders)
Number of Murders by crossbow in Britain, 2011*: 2 (equivalent to 10 US murders).
The international comparisons show conclusively that fewer gun owners among civilians per capita produce not only fewer murders by firearm, but fewer murders per capita over all.
I know this will be attacked by the people posting on this thread, but I really do not understand how anyone can justify giving more people the option to carry guns. I would love to see a breakdown of the us figures for how many of those gun crimes were committed by people with 'legal' firearms compared to 'illegal ' ones.......