January 23 and 24 were tough days for US law enforcement, 11 officers shoot, some died at the scene and some are in the hospitals in their locals, any way one describes it, that is wrong on many levels. Having a background in law enforcement and a son in law enforcement and many friends in the field, this hits home hard. My prayers are for a speedy and full recovery of injured officers and God comfort on the families of those killed.
I heard Mayor Bloomberg, of NYC call for stronger gun control laws and he was joined by a number of well meaning, but miss informed people. I am not understanding why these folks are so uninformed, because they are smart and well educated. Criminals do not buy guns from legal gun stores or dealers. Criminals buy guns on the street corner, and don't care about permits or the law or back ground investigations. The only people who are effected by gun control laws are the law abiding citizens who are not going to use a gun for illegal purposes.
Let's look at a few cities and do a contrast. Camden NJ, is considered one of the most dangerous cities in the USA, and recently had to lay off over 100 police officers, in NJ it is very difficult to purchase or own a gun. In 2009, Camden had the highest crime rate in the U.S. with 2,333 violent crimes per 100,000 people while the national average was 455 per 100,000. Camden NJ had a population of 79,904 in 2000. New York and Chicago both have very high crime rates and yet it is almost impossible to own a handgun in either of these two cities. That however does not stop the gang members and criminals. Wilmington NC, is a city similar in size to Camden NJ yet the crime rate has fallen over the last 3 years, is there crime, yes, but less of it. Why is that? Good question, one reason I can point to is the right of the people in NC to protect themselves, by owning and carrying a firearm.
So what then is the answer? I don't have the complete answer, but my family has been victim of criminals and I would like to suggest that the laws be changed to control criminals. My cousin was beaten to death by two people he tried to help. Tommy for what ever reason was not armed, but then again he was a big strap of a man and normally everyone like Tommy, he alway had a quick comment and grin. I am sure the two criminals that killed my cousin had run afoul the law before, because they were bumming their way across the country. What would be today if these two had been held in jail somewhere for some crime committed. Then my question is, what would have happened if my cousin had been armed, having spend a few days shooting and hunting and fishing with him, I know he could defended himself with a firearm.
Criminals are tried and convicted of violent crime and then released on probation with little or no supervision. Criminals charge with rape, molestation and other horrible violent crimes are routinely released on low bonds and to meet their financial needs for court turn right back to crime.
Recently a young man moved to NJ, and to avoid legal problems with his two legally owned handguns, he did his research and complied with the NJ law. When he mentioned to someone that his guns were in the trunk and locked, the local law enforcement was called. The officers tried not to arrest the young man, however they were forced to by a ADA. The man was tried and found guilty of weapons charges and sentenced to seven years in prison. However the trial violated many of the mans civil rights and he has been pardoned by the governor of NJ. Yet a criminal in NJ may only receive a suspended sentence for a violent crime.
Gun control does not work....criminal control does, it is time the American justice system changes the focus.
Dick, thank you for looking at something we all think about but seldom do anything about. The criminals have all the rights. My brother, your cousin might be here today, as you said, if tougher laws were in place. The two murderers who killed him had definitely done the same thing before - no one will ever know how many victims they have across the country. You have a very valid point, Dick. As always, another great blog!
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