Volstead Lounge
Guns Prevent Violence
RECEIVED Tue., Aug. 5, 2003
Editor:
The letter by B.W. Kovacevich in the Aug. 1 ["Postmarks,"] issue in response to a prior letter by a Mr. Metz is full of misinformation and flimsy arguments. In the first paragraph, it presumes Mr. Metz "believes that we'd all be safer if everyone carried guns around." I never met the guy, but I'll bet Mr. Metz only advocates that those not criminally inclined that also have the judgment and skill that go with being a responsible firearms owner be allowed to carry weapons after completing the required training for a concealed-carry permit. Every state that has enacted concealed-carry legislation in the past 15 years has experienced a significant decrease in violent crime rates as a result of such legislation. In the third paragraph, B.W. Kovacevich indicates "semiautomatic assault rifles and/or handguns" are suitable for use only on people and have no sporting use. An assault rifle by definition is a military rifle capable of full automatic fire, and is not generally available to civilians. There is no such thing as an "assault handgun," since all handguns from a military standpoint are defensive in nature and not suitable for assault, nor are they capable of full automatic fire. However, many semiautomatic rifles, shotguns, and pistols are used for hunting and other sporting uses. I don't think it necessary to detail the obvious disparity in population numbers and cultural differences beween the U.S. and the UK. Apparently B.W. Kovacevich is unaware that violent-crime rates quadrupled in Britain after handguns became illegal in that country. In fact, one is now statistically much more likely to be mugged in London than in NYC. To quote the late Wild Bill Hickok, "a kind word and a gun go further than a kind word alone."
The letter by B.W. Kovacevich in the Aug. 1 ["Postmarks,"] issue in response to a prior letter by a Mr. Metz is full of misinformation and flimsy arguments. In the first paragraph, it presumes Mr. Metz "believes that we'd all be safer if everyone carried guns around." I never met the guy, but I'll bet Mr. Metz only advocates that those not criminally inclined that also have the judgment and skill that go with being a responsible firearms owner be allowed to carry weapons after completing the required training for a concealed-carry permit. Every state that has enacted concealed-carry legislation in the past 15 years has experienced a significant decrease in violent crime rates as a result of such legislation. In the third paragraph, B.W. Kovacevich indicates "semiautomatic assault rifles and/or handguns" are suitable for use only on people and have no sporting use. An assault rifle by definition is a military rifle capable of full automatic fire, and is not generally available to civilians. There is no such thing as an "assault handgun," since all handguns from a military standpoint are defensive in nature and not suitable for assault, nor are they capable of full automatic fire. However, many semiautomatic rifles, shotguns, and pistols are used for hunting and other sporting uses. I don't think it necessary to detail the obvious disparity in population numbers and cultural differences beween the U.S. and the UK. Apparently B.W. Kovacevich is unaware that violent-crime rates quadrupled in Britain after handguns became illegal in that country. In fact, one is now statistically much more likely to be mugged in London than in NYC. To quote the late Wild Bill Hickok, "a kind word and a gun go further than a kind word alone."
David Honish
