[susannah59]

While correlation is not causation, statistically, both the author and the Brady folks seemed to be tying themselves in knots to avoid drawing any correlation at all between the increase in gun sales and the decrease in crimes, didn't they?

If the "lax gun laws" in places surrounding Chicago and DC account for the numbers of gun crimes in those places, why aren't the numbers of crimes the same in the places surrounding Chicago and DC as they are in those cities? Do thugs just prefer living in cities, or what?

[MrB]

The “thug demographic” definitely is higher in cities.
And, not to push a correlation/causation false assumption on this point, but... city dwellers also tend to vote left.

[Thane_Banquo]

If the "lax gun laws" in places surrounding Chicago

The surrounding suburbs have pretty strong gun laws. In order to even touch a gun, a person has to qualify for a Firearms Owner ID card, which involves a background check. If you buy guns as a straw purchaser, you face felony jail time.