Another school shooting and we are sure to hear once again the lame refrain, “It’s the shooter, not the gun.”
Well, consider this: According to a recent University of Washington study, gun deaths per 100,000 population in Japan is .03; in United Kingdom .07; and .12 in Germany.
Very similar rates were found in the rest of First World countries.
But, the rate in the U.S. — 3.85, according to media reports.
That is 32 times the rate in Germany and 128 times the rate in Japan.
So, what is the difference between them and us that results in such differences in gun deaths?
If those who worship guns are correct in their assessment that guns are not to blame, then the answer has to be that we have far more violently crazy people than England, Australia, Japan, Germany, etc.
But, since there is no scientific evidence to back up that possibility, then perhaps the answer is that the countries with low gun death rates have very strict gun ownership and possession laws that prevent people with violent tendencies from the opportunity to so easily kill people.
The ridiculous proliferation of guns pushed by manufacturers and the National Rifle Association, and lack of any real control over who can get them, has clearly overridden the right to peace and security for many people in the U.S.
The NRA cares not a whit that people are being shot at rates astronomically higher than more conscientious and civilized countries.
Only the intellectually blind who are bereft of compassion for the injured and killed could possibly defend them.
It is time to change.
The excuses don’t work anymore.
George Bush,
Port Townsend