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Shootings Fail to Ignite Gun Control Efforts

Poll shows support for handgun ban at its lowest level ever

By Rob Quinn,  Newser Staff

Posted Apr 8, 2009 11:06 AM CDT

(Newser) – The recent spate of mass shooting has done little to inspire gun control efforts despite the fact that almost all the shooters held licenses, the AP reports. Lawmakers—including Democrats—say there is no appetite for a divisive fight over guns when the country is in economic crisis. Recent efforts to change gun laws have tended to be about relaxing rather than tightening them. 

The latest Gallup figures—from polls conducted before the recent shootings—show support for gun control at the lowest level since pollsters started keeping records, Politico reports. The chief counsel to the New York State Police acknowledged that Binghamton shooter Jiverly Wong "fell through the cracks" but said stopping gun violence is a matter of altering the country's culture. "I can't think of any sweeping law change that would address that," he said.

A Gallup crime poll found national support for a ban on possession of handguns at 29%, the lowest since it started keeping records in 1959.
A Gallup crime poll found national support for a ban on possession of handguns at 29%, the lowest since it started keeping records in 1959.   (AP Photo/Seth Wenig, File)
I think the gun lobby wants to take away any stigma to gun ownership, a gun control advocate said. I think they feel emboldened, like who's going to stop them?
"I think the gun lobby wants to take away any stigma to gun ownership," a gun control advocate said. "I think they feel emboldened, like who's going to stop them?"   (AP Photo/Mike Groll)
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The poll may show why virtually nobody in Congress is rolling out new gun control legislation.
- Glenn Thrush, Politico

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COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 25 comments
AClotfelter
Apr 9, 2009 4:43 AM CDT
Violence isn't something that just *happens*, there are root causes for all of this... Someone loses their job, and can't cope, so they use violence, someone else doesn't want to get a job and just want what YOU have, so they use violence. Someone might be mentally ill, and they don't have the capability to make rational decisions, so they end up indiscriminately using violence. Someone gets high on drungs and their only thought may be to get more drugs, so they use violence. There are many ways for people to commit violence, and guns are certainly one of them. Other people's actions should not strip me of my right to utilize guns as part of an overall personal safety plan, or for any other legal purpose such as target practice or hunting. I'm sorry, but no matter how much we argue on this chat board, people aren't going to give up their rights just because some people mis-use them.
AClotfelter
Apr 9, 2009 4:35 AM CDT
Yes, guns are designed for killing, and in some situations that's what is needed. If someone is about to kill me, I only hope I can get them first. I know there are people out there who would rather die in that situation, but I am not a "turn the other cheek" type of person. Some would like to be a marytr on the alter of "Look, see, I died, but it's worth it to reduce overall violence". Sorry, I'm not itching to be a victim.
AClotfelter
Apr 9, 2009 4:31 AM CDT
What should be banned entirely? rifles?

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Binghamton Victims 'Died Seeking Better Lives'


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