General Discussion
In reply to the discussion: "Gun culture" begins with parents. Any law that doesn't restrict parents won't change gun culture. [View all]branford
(4,462 posts)the National Institute of Justice, shouldn't be inherently persuasive, as I cite the same facts and figures as anyone else. One's views concerning firearms are also a very subjective matter. I am just happy to engage in civil dialogue (at least with some people like yourself).
Also note that while my views are decidedly pro-gun rights, I have never owned a firearm. My support is based on our inherent right of self-defense, the express language of the Constitution, and fear than any serious attempts to tamper with the Bill of Right is a slippery slope that could lead to the reversal of centuries of liberal constitutional jurisprudence.
As to popular support, guns are integral part of the unique history and culture of our country, particularly in rural and exurban America. To many, the firearm debate is not about safety, but rather just another battle in the culture wars. A great many Americans, arguably a majority, and definitely including a significant number of loyal Democrats, view gun rights as integral to their identities and necessary for a free and open state. They will vote on this issue alone, and our elected representatives, most of whom wish to keep their jobs, understand their constituencies.
Moreover, popular support for gun rights and against restrictions is actually steadily growing, despite events like Sandy Hook, all while crime rates are about half of decades past, many millions more guns are entering circulation every year, firearm ownership and carry laws are the most liberal they've been in generations, and the Supreme Court has repeatedly affirmed an individual right to keep and bear arms.
http://www.theguardian.com/news/datablog/2015/oct/02/mass-shootings-have-no-impact-on-support-for-gun-rights-in-the-us
http://www.gallup.com/poll/179213/six-americans-say-guns-homes-safer.aspx
http://www.gallup.com/poll/179045/less-half-americans-support-stricter-gun-laws.aspx
http://www.people-press.org/2014/12/10/growing-public-support-for-gun-rights/