Dr. Lott's work has stood up to some TOUGH scrutiny. The gun banners, however, in case after case have lied or twisted data to suit their position. I am left to conclude that if Lott is incorrect, it is by mistake, and THEN only by a few percentage points. The antis, however, by resorting to DELIBERATE, CONTINUOUS, and KNOWN distortions, lies, and "spin", have utterly demolished any credibility they might have had.
"Unfortunatley the NRA has been one of the biggest impediments to the collection by government of accurate firearms ownership data that could be used to test these hypothese!"
Ahh, what would a civilian disarmament debate be without the mandatory slam of the EEEVVVIL "gun lobby NRA". However, let us be clear...the "collection of data" you speak of is, in fact, registration. The NRA better damn sure oppose it! As I've pointed out, it leads to confiscation, and from there, to bloodbaths as the now-helpless sheep are slaughtered.
"We would never be able to stop determined criminals (gangs, the mob etc.) from owning guns."
Glad you agree. That's why we need to be able to defend ourselves!
"However, most gun deaths are not a result of the activities of organized or habitual criminals."
It doesn't matter whether they are organized or not...a Bad Guy is a Bad Guy, and it scarcely matters if he is or is not a gang member when he is attacking YOU.
"Most gun murders are first time offenses (drunken fights, domestic violence etc.)"
Okay, then put the perps away, or better yet, kill them. But do NOT use some drunken trailer-dwelling fool or inner-city crackhead as an excuse to harm or remove the rights and property of millions of honest, law-abiding citizens.
There are some publications which have engaged in Libel. Should we then register, ban, and confiscate all newspapers? Should all public gatherings be subject to government control, simply because some turn into riots? Should licenses be required for public oratory, based upon the fact that some speakers have incited violence against some groups? Where does this stop?