Higher rates of gun ownership associated with higher rates of homicide

From Science Daily on 09/13/13:

Sep. 12, 2013 — A new study from the American Journal of Public Heath shows that U.S. states with higher estimated rates of gun ownership experience a higher number of firearms-related homicides.

For more click here.

Editor's note: I have mentioned before on the Brockporter than the likelihood of being killed by a gun is increased with gun ownership not decreased. Owning guns paradoxically does not make a person safer but at more risk. New York State under Governor Cuomo's leadership has moved in the right direction with its SAFE laws in improving public health when it comes to accessibility and ownership of guns.

Read More

Gun shot wounds and deaths cost Americans $12 billion a year.

 From USA Today on 03/06/13

WASHINGTON — WASHINGTON Gunshot wounds and deaths cost Americans at least $12 billion a year in court proceedings, insurance costs and hospitalizations paid for by government health programs, according to a recent study.

For more click here

Editor's note:

I wonder every time I see one of the those Repeal the S.A.F.E. signs on someone's lawn if they realize the true costs of gun violence in this country? I wonder if they know that resorting to guns doesn't make them safer or provide the real protection they are looking for?

I don't know if education is the answer because owning guns is such an emotional issue for a certain group of people whose beliefs in the issue are usually fear based whether they recognize it or not. The sad thing is that owning a gun increases the livelihood that you will be killed by one. So owning and having a gun does not make you safer, it makes it more likely that you will be injured or die from a gun and if not you then a loved one.

The question is how to help people feel safe in other ways that by having a gun for "protection"?

I don't know how many guns there are in Brockport. I know I don't have one at my home so I feel a little safer than if I did have one. Do you have a gun in your house? Does it make you feel safer? Really? Why?

For $12 billion we could feed a lot of hungry people, educate a lot of students, create a lot of beautiful art and music and parks and make the world a more beautiful and loving place.

Read More