Myth 4: There is no definition of "mental illness" or "mental health crisis." The fact is that people with diagnosed psychiatric conditions are less, not more, prone to be assaultive in any way, and more prone to be victims. If "mental illness" or "mental health crisis" is taken to include intoxication, then no one who uses any mind-altering substance, including alcohol, should have access to a gun.
Myth 6: Countries, except the United States, that have experienced gun crimes have commonly immediately instituted restrictions or bans. Their rates of gun misadventure have always dropped significantly.
Myth 7: This theory is in fact the reason for the "Second Amendment." This Amendment is intended to advocate for militias -- "A well regulated militia being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms shall not be infringed." Federalist Paper #29 describes the intended purposes of militias (there are two intended purposes), one of which is to check the federal government, so that it cannot militarily dominate and control the states and localities. So this "myth" should be taken as true, and not a myth. The problem is that in order to protect states and localities from federal over-reach (as we're seeing right now), militias would have to be armed as the federal government is armed. We're not even close. Guns today do nothing to protect states and localities from federal over-reach. All of the "Arms" necessary are already illegal for civilian use. I'm thinking here of grenades, tanks, fighter jets with bombs, submarines with torpedoes, aircraft carriers, nuclear weapons, and others. And Federalist Paper #29 says all Arms are to be given to militia members. They don't have to buy them. So the theory is correct, but we have almost completely repealed the "Second Amendment" piecemeal. We either need to finish repealing it, or we need to restore it to what it was intended to be.
Myth 8: This is not a myth. It is true that guns, which are inanimate objects, do not of their own accord kill people. People do. And people with guns kill a lot more people than people with knives. Or cars. It is true that cars can be dangerous. That's why there is training, licensure, and regulation regarding the use of cars. Not so about guns. And the primary intended use of cars is not to destroy. They are transportation. The only use of guns is to destroy.
Myth 10- assault weapons bans laws didn’t work that’s why they got rid of them
Myth 11, not really a myth but real fact/s - what ever happened with all the charges that should have been brought against nra head/s for funneling gru $ among other things in 2016. (NRA has been doing it before then though too) I find this interesting also why would Russia or others want this in our country but would never and don’t allow it in theirs. Perhaps we should question Maria Butina and others about this
It is only right that when children commit gun violence, their parents be charged and convicted, as those Michigan parents. Just yesterday, an 11-year-old boy in Milwaukee was playing at a friend’s house. The friend’s parents let him play with a gun and he shot himself in the face. Police charged the parents.
Thanks for this Qasim. It's about time we get our collective head out of our collective a$$ and DO something about gun violence besides "thoughts and prayers." Thoughts and prayers dont do anything to stop this madness. Those words in response to the death (or life-long traum) of a loved one are so disrespectful of those who lost their lives and their grieving loved ones left behind. I am a legal gun owner and I would absolutely vote for universal background checks, registration and laws that keep firearms out of the hands of domestic abusers - all that you named in this piece. I think as a nation should give it a try! The worst that could happen is the number of gun deaths won't change, but that's unlikely. And if it doesn't work, we can go back to how it is now. It's 100% worth trying if even one death is prevented.
Thank you so much for this! It is ridiculous and heinous that we have let this slaughter go on for so long. I marched for sane gun laws in the 90s in Seattle. I have written letters, voted for stronger gun laws and joined several gun-control organizations to try to ameliorate this tragedy. It is incredible to me that so many still jump in to defend gun freedom. As you said, limiting the number of guns, and the type of guns have been proven to be the best solution, yet gun nuts still argue with all the myths you just discussed. I am really hopeful that sane, logical, caring people are finally overcoming all the crack-pot arguments for free-wheeling gun ownership, so we can begin to reduce the horrendous numbers of gun deaths in America. Our reputation gets worse every year and part of that is our clinging to this thesis that a Democracy/Republic should include unlimited gun ownership.
Thank you for this. My son was killed in a mass shooting 7 years ago. 12 people were killed. The murderer bought his gun locally and his extended magazines were shipped from Utah. Illegal in California. We need federal gun laws. The best way to stop this is the end PLAACA. it is the legislation that protests the gun industry from the impacts of their products. If we did that, the gun industry would be clamoring for a registry etc. keep dispelling the myths. The collateral damage of gun violence is so incredibly widespread. We KNOW. end it. Please. 💔
We have the NRA bill and are well on our way to tyranny. I thought this was what their sacred second amendment was supposed to prevent, but it doesn't seem to be stopping anything.
For those who insist the Constitution allows guns as a right. It does not.
It allowed (past tense) muskets in the hands of those in 'regulated militias' for defense, in case the British were to attack, as the US had no army. Now we do have an army, and a navy and an air force. THIS IN NO LONGER 1791. And there is no reason for allowing civilians unlimited guns.
Thank you for laying this out so clearly. It’s crazy that it’s considered controversial since a majority of Americans support stronger gun laws. Our representatives have not “represented” us in decades. The represent the organizations and companies that fund them.
America…
The time has come to make a choice…
Our children and grandchildren…
Or our guns…
For most of us the choice is easy and straightforward…
I would gladly allow whatever restrictions are necessary on guns..
If it saves one child’s life…
No one expects guns will disappear…
But it well past time…
For us to require permits and training…
Before we allow people to posses weapons that kill…
And make no mistake about it…
The purpose of all these guns is to kill…
Democrats…
You need to own this issue…
Most Americans choose children over guns…
Time to stand firm…
And stand up for real gun control…
It won’t be easy…
But your children’s life will depend on it…
Myth 4: There is no definition of "mental illness" or "mental health crisis." The fact is that people with diagnosed psychiatric conditions are less, not more, prone to be assaultive in any way, and more prone to be victims. If "mental illness" or "mental health crisis" is taken to include intoxication, then no one who uses any mind-altering substance, including alcohol, should have access to a gun.
Myth 6: Countries, except the United States, that have experienced gun crimes have commonly immediately instituted restrictions or bans. Their rates of gun misadventure have always dropped significantly.
Myth 7: This theory is in fact the reason for the "Second Amendment." This Amendment is intended to advocate for militias -- "A well regulated militia being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms shall not be infringed." Federalist Paper #29 describes the intended purposes of militias (there are two intended purposes), one of which is to check the federal government, so that it cannot militarily dominate and control the states and localities. So this "myth" should be taken as true, and not a myth. The problem is that in order to protect states and localities from federal over-reach (as we're seeing right now), militias would have to be armed as the federal government is armed. We're not even close. Guns today do nothing to protect states and localities from federal over-reach. All of the "Arms" necessary are already illegal for civilian use. I'm thinking here of grenades, tanks, fighter jets with bombs, submarines with torpedoes, aircraft carriers, nuclear weapons, and others. And Federalist Paper #29 says all Arms are to be given to militia members. They don't have to buy them. So the theory is correct, but we have almost completely repealed the "Second Amendment" piecemeal. We either need to finish repealing it, or we need to restore it to what it was intended to be.
Myth 8: This is not a myth. It is true that guns, which are inanimate objects, do not of their own accord kill people. People do. And people with guns kill a lot more people than people with knives. Or cars. It is true that cars can be dangerous. That's why there is training, licensure, and regulation regarding the use of cars. Not so about guns. And the primary intended use of cars is not to destroy. They are transportation. The only use of guns is to destroy.
saved for future reference!
Myth 10- assault weapons bans laws didn’t work that’s why they got rid of them
Myth 11, not really a myth but real fact/s - what ever happened with all the charges that should have been brought against nra head/s for funneling gru $ among other things in 2016. (NRA has been doing it before then though too) I find this interesting also why would Russia or others want this in our country but would never and don’t allow it in theirs. Perhaps we should question Maria Butina and others about this
I've said for years that guns should be regulated exactly like cars. That would be fine with me and I'm a lifelong responsible gun owner.
It is only right that when children commit gun violence, their parents be charged and convicted, as those Michigan parents. Just yesterday, an 11-year-old boy in Milwaukee was playing at a friend’s house. The friend’s parents let him play with a gun and he shot himself in the face. Police charged the parents.
Thanks for this Qasim. It's about time we get our collective head out of our collective a$$ and DO something about gun violence besides "thoughts and prayers." Thoughts and prayers dont do anything to stop this madness. Those words in response to the death (or life-long traum) of a loved one are so disrespectful of those who lost their lives and their grieving loved ones left behind. I am a legal gun owner and I would absolutely vote for universal background checks, registration and laws that keep firearms out of the hands of domestic abusers - all that you named in this piece. I think as a nation should give it a try! The worst that could happen is the number of gun deaths won't change, but that's unlikely. And if it doesn't work, we can go back to how it is now. It's 100% worth trying if even one death is prevented.
Excellent article, thank you . I will share it with many .
Thank you so much for this! It is ridiculous and heinous that we have let this slaughter go on for so long. I marched for sane gun laws in the 90s in Seattle. I have written letters, voted for stronger gun laws and joined several gun-control organizations to try to ameliorate this tragedy. It is incredible to me that so many still jump in to defend gun freedom. As you said, limiting the number of guns, and the type of guns have been proven to be the best solution, yet gun nuts still argue with all the myths you just discussed. I am really hopeful that sane, logical, caring people are finally overcoming all the crack-pot arguments for free-wheeling gun ownership, so we can begin to reduce the horrendous numbers of gun deaths in America. Our reputation gets worse every year and part of that is our clinging to this thesis that a Democracy/Republic should include unlimited gun ownership.
Thank you for such a profound and informative commentary. Important taking points when we engage with others on this topic.
Thank you for this. My son was killed in a mass shooting 7 years ago. 12 people were killed. The murderer bought his gun locally and his extended magazines were shipped from Utah. Illegal in California. We need federal gun laws. The best way to stop this is the end PLAACA. it is the legislation that protests the gun industry from the impacts of their products. If we did that, the gun industry would be clamoring for a registry etc. keep dispelling the myths. The collateral damage of gun violence is so incredibly widespread. We KNOW. end it. Please. 💔
I'm so very sorry for your loss. 😢❤️
I am so sorry about your son's death. That is heart-breaking and infuriating!
We have the NRA bill and are well on our way to tyranny. I thought this was what their sacred second amendment was supposed to prevent, but it doesn't seem to be stopping anything.
Thank you for this excellent summary of the truth.
For those who insist the Constitution allows guns as a right. It does not.
It allowed (past tense) muskets in the hands of those in 'regulated militias' for defense, in case the British were to attack, as the US had no army. Now we do have an army, and a navy and an air force. THIS IN NO LONGER 1791. And there is no reason for allowing civilians unlimited guns.
Thank you for laying this out so clearly. It’s crazy that it’s considered controversial since a majority of Americans support stronger gun laws. Our representatives have not “represented” us in decades. The represent the organizations and companies that fund them.
We outpace every other country in gun homicides by far. Only in the US is this accepted. No other country allows unlimited guns.