On Friday, Alligator columnist Paul Murty addressed the sad fact that gun and knife crimes in the U.S. are exorbitantly high when compared to rates in the U.K. The emotional response to these tragic crimes is often to immediately bash guns and gun owners and attempt to curtail their rights, but the argument Murty raised for gun control needs more facts.
Guns may not be the real problem or the only problem. How does the size and training of the police force compare in the U.S. and the U.K.? Are criminals punished differently in the U.K.? Who can be licensed to own a gun in the U.K.? There are more factors contributing to the issue of gun crimes, and to look narrowly at guns as the only problem would be irresponsible.
If you’re interested enough in a topic to be swayed by someone’s opinion, then it doesn’t hurt to look up the facts for yourself so you can make a more informed decision.
