Gun Control Facts: 6 Chilling Revelations about Guns in the United States
Restored from the Empower Network archive (2011–2017), lightly edited to meet our current advertising standards. Views are the original author’s.
Although there is a strong resistance coming from gun owners all over America, the Congress are now provoking serious attempts to address the gun control issue. The recent incident at Sandy Hook Elementary concerning the murder of innocent teachers, administrators and children has launched the tragedy as one of the topmost agenda of President Obama. And he’s not the only one on the stance, several senators and representatives have already recognized that it’s about time.
More people will follow upon considering these six chilling gun control facts about guns in the United States.
1) Guns had been the most common way of suicide.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has stated in their 2011 report that suicide was ranked 10th among the cause of death of citizens in the United States, amounting to a total of 38,285 reported deaths. Among those suicides, guns were used in a total of 19,766 cases or about 52%. This is just the first among the six gun control facts in the U.S. Restricted gun access may not directly have an impact on the suicide rate, but then again perhaps it might.
2) Guns are usually used in most homicide cases.
A total of 15,953 homicides were recorded in 2011. Homicide by gun was reported at 11,101, pegged at 70% of the total homicides. More than half were homicide by gun therefore considering this as one of the gun control facts in the United States that you must know.
3) Guns have taken innocent lives.
A total of 851 funerals in 2011 were accounted for accidental firearm deaths. Although this may seem to be just a small figure considering that a total of 2.5 million deaths occur each year, this may have been a tragic loss if one of your family member was among the accidental firearm deaths. This still should be considered as one of the gun control facts you must be aware of.
4) Guns have been stereotypically used in mass murders
Although there are no statistical data to point out that mass murders involve assault rifles, it is safe to assume that when an assault rifle is involved, more people die. The Washington Post has reported that beginning 1982, a total of 61 cases of mass killings were recorded, making this as one of the chilling gun control facts recorded in history.
5) You can buy a gun in the U.S. in just 5 days
Among one of the shocking gun control facts in the U.S is the The Brady Bill of 1994 which has instituted a waiting period of only 5 days before you can purchase a handgun. The only requirement for the purchaser is a background check.
6) You can bring home a gun immediately if you have purchased it at a gun show
The Brady Bill has one exemption and this is when you purchase a gun from a gun show. This then completely negates the idea that there had already been a progress from the illegal sale of guns. What’s the point anyway? If the U.S really wanted to eliminate the killing in the country, the sale of assault rifles and all other weapons with .50 calibers and higher. And most of all, the gun show loophole must completely be closed.
These gun control facts should not be ignored at all.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7KLkcc0zreQ