Gun Control

I do not understand why people believe gun control actually works or why we need it. Guns, like other weapons, though more deadly and possibly more convenient to use, are still inanimate objects and are not the cause of violence or killings. Gun control is not effective as it has not been shown to actually reduce the number of gun-related crimes.
More than 90% of guns used in gun crime were obtained through illegal means such as stealing or the black market. If guns are outlawed, only outlaws will have guns. Criminals do not follow laws if they wish not to, that’s what criminals are. Although guns are used to kill about 30,000 people a year through murder, accidents, suicide, etc., that is nothing compared to the number of guns owned by the citizens of America. About 8,500 are homicides and the rest are suicides. There are about 270 million guns in the hands of a population of 300 million people. If you divide 270 million by 30,000, you get 9,000 people per one gun death. That means even if those 270 million guns included illegal guns, the chances of one of them being used in a death of a person is one in 9,000. On top of that, cars cause the death of over 40,000 people a year. So there are more dangerous things than guns.
Some say that a gun in the house is more likely to cause the death of a family member or innocent person than a criminal/intruder. That is true, but that does not mean guns cause more innocent deaths than guilty ones. That is because only about 1 in 1,000 uses of firearm self-defense results in the death of the criminal. Guns are used hundreds of thousands of times a year in lawful self-defense. Guns are no more a cause of violence than pencils are to causing mistakes. The firearm is the only personal weapon that puts a 100-pound woman on equal footing with a 220-pound mugger, a 75-year old retiree on equal footing with a 19-year, and a single guy on equal footing with a carload of drunken guys with baseball bats. The gun removes the disparity in physical strength, size, or numbers between a potential attacker and a defender. A mugger, even an armed one, can only make a successful living in a society where the state has granted him a force monopoly.
In Russia, the rate of gun ownership was 4,000 per 100,000 people. The murder rate in Russia was 20.52 per 100,000 in 2002. Whereas, in Finland that same year, the rate of gun ownership is 39,000 per 100,000 people. The murder rate was almost nothing at 1.98 per 100,000. In Norway, the study shows that Norway has the highest gun ownership rate in Western Europe, but yet the lowest murder rate. In the four years after the United Kingdom banned handguns in 1996, gun crime rose by an astounding 40 percent by 2002. Since Australia's 1996 laws banning most guns and making it a crime to use a gun defensively, armed robberies rose by 51 percent, unarmed robberies by 37 percent, assaults by 24 percent and kidnappings by 43 percent by 2002. While murders in Australia fell by 3 percent, manslaughter rose by 16 percent in 2002. Around the world, from Australia to Europe, countries that have recently strengthened gun-control laws with the promise of lowering crime have instead seen violent crime soar.

all I need to do is add a conclusion but wanted to know if this sounded ok first. NONE of this is plagiarized I put everything but statistics in my own words

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Ms.Sue can you help me?please?

I understand that you have concerns about the effectiveness of gun control and its impact on reducing gun-related crimes. Let me address your points and provide some explanations.

1. Guns as inanimate objects: You mentioned that guns, like other weapons, are inanimate objects and not the cause of violence or killings. While it is true that guns themselves do not commit crimes, they can significantly increase the lethality and ease of perpetrating violence. Studies have shown that access to firearms is strongly associated with a higher risk of firearm-related deaths, including homicides, suicides, and accidents.

2. Illegal means of obtaining guns: You pointed out that a significant portion of guns used in crimes are acquired through illegal channels, such as the black market or theft. While this is a valid concern, it does not negate the potential impact of gun control measures. By implementing stricter regulations and background checks, it becomes harder for individuals with criminal intent to obtain firearms, reducing overall access to guns in the illegal market.

3. Comparison of gun deaths to the number of guns owned: You mentioned that there are about 270 million guns in the hands of a population of 300 million people, and when considering the number of gun deaths, the chances of a gun being used in a death are relatively low. While the statistic in isolation may seem small, it is essential to consider the broader public health and safety implications. Even if one death is statistically unlikely, it still represents a tragedy for the individual and their loved ones. Policies aimed at reducing the overall number of gun-related deaths are justified on the basis of preventing these tragedies.

4. Comparing gun deaths to deaths caused by other factors: You mentioned that deaths caused by cars outnumber gun deaths. While it's true that there are other causes of deaths that require attention, it's important to recognize that different issues require different approaches. Policies related to car safety, for example, have been implemented and continuously improved over the years to reduce accidents and fatalities. Similarly, gun control measures aim to address the specific issue of firearm-related violence.

5. Self-defense argument: You mentioned that guns are used hundreds of thousands of times a year in lawful self-defense, and they provide a means for potential victims to defend themselves against attackers. While self-defense is a valid concern, research on the actual frequency and effectiveness of defensive gun use is mixed. Some studies suggest that instances of self-defense with firearms are relatively rare, while others argue for a more significant role. It is important to consider the balance between self-defense rights and the potential risks and dangers associated with widespread gun ownership.

6. International comparisons: You provided examples of countries where increased gun control does not appear to have reduced crime rates. It's worth noting that making direct comparisons between countries with varying social, cultural, and political contexts can be challenging. Factors such as socioeconomic inequality, drug trade, and cultural norms play a significant role in crime rates. It's essential to consider a wide range of factors when analyzing the impact of gun control measures across different countries.

In summary, discussions surrounding gun control are complex, involving considerations of public safety, individual rights, and the overall impact on society. Comprehensive research and evidence-based policy-making are crucial for finding the most effective ways to address firearm-related violence and ensure the safety of communities.