John Stossel / ABC News Explode Gun Control Myth

MCRGO (Internet) ^ | 1/24/04 | Stu Chisholm

[Glockslinger]

Last night's ABC News magazine program, "20/20," had a pleasant surprise for the pro-gun community in a segment called "Lies, Myths and Downright Stupidity."

John Stossel, known for his segments called "Give Me A Break," who now also has a book by the same name, exposed many of the commonly held beliefs that we usually just accept, but have no true basis in fact.

One in particular, labeled "Myth #3: Guns Are Bad," pointed out many things that second amendment advocates have known for years; that guns are used much more often for defensive uses than in crime. Citing data from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), he also exposed data showing that popular methods of gun control, such as the Brady Bill, have had little if any effect on crime.

Interviewing a group of prison inmates, Stossel reports, "Some maximum security felons I spoke to in New Jersey scoffed at measures like the Brady law. They said they'll have no trouble getting guns if they want them. A Justice Department study confirmed what the prisoners said. But get this: the felons say that the thing they fear the most is not the police, not time in prison, but, you, another American who might be armed."

Stossel goes on to say to say that many states have passed what he refers to as "gun un-control" in the form of concealed carry laws, which have been shown to be an effective deterrent to violent crime. Some women say they're comforted by the new law, according to the report.

The segment concludes by saying, "Many people are horrified at the idea of concealed carry laws, and predict mayhem if all states adopt these laws. But surprise, 36 states already have concealed carry laws, and not one reported an upsurge in gun crime."

What is amazing about this exemplary, straight forward report is that is appeared on a prime-time ABC news program, a network that has a reputation for being very un-friendly to the NRA and the pro-gun community at large. Whether or not ABC has reconsidered it's official policy, or if it is simply John Stossel's own research and opinion remains to be seen. In any case, ABC is to be commended for it's airing of the truth behind an often controversial, yet vital issue.

See the whole program at: http://abcnews.go.com/sections/2020/2020/myths_john_stossel_040123-1.html

~Stu Chisholm

[MarkL]

In light of the Supreme Court's refusal to hear the California case, the 2nd amendment is in deep trouble.

I hate to say this, but in light of some of the recent rulings of the Supreme Court, I'd say that The Constitution in general, and more importantly, the Republic, is in deep trouble... Finding things that don't appear in the Constitution as being constitutionally protected, and finding parts of laws that are expressly forbidden in the Constitution to be constitutional, are deeply troubling to me.

Mark

[Samwise]

"It's OK if you're a detective on the police force," Clark continued. "But I don't see a requirement for ordinary citizens to carry concealed weapons."

??? So what did I miss? Who is advocating that ordinary citizens be "required" to carry concealed weapons?

[duk]

I saw the article and could not believe that the MYTH of gun control was completely debunked on "Prime Time." Do you have an E-Mail address, so we can contact Stossel?

[TheGeezer]

My bad: you are both absolutely correct. My memory failed me.

Regards.

[rmlew]

bttfl

[Zipporah]

"Finding things that don't appear in the Constitution as being constitutionally protected, and finding parts of laws that are expressly forbidden in the Constitution to be constitutional, are deeply troubling to me."... as it should be. Years ago, I met a woman who tried to tell me about the assault on the Constitution.. at the time I thought her a bit wacky. Now I realize she was right.

[uncbob]

Stossel goes on to say to say that many states have passed what he refers to as "gun un-control" in the form of concealed carry laws, which have been shown to be an effective deterrent to violent crime. Some women say they're comforted by the new law, according to the report.

This very true but one fact must be remembered and that is gun ownership can only affect the portion of crime against innocent citizens
Biggest majority of Gun related murders that Sarah Brady ET AL are always citing are themselves criminals
Last figures I saw show that over 60% of murder VICTIMS are themselaves CRIMINALS

This should be pointed out whenever the gun grabbers are mouthing off

In addition MOST of these criminal murders are DRUG related . Another wonderful effect of the STUPID WOD

[mdmathis6]

"Translation: they hate his politics but he is good for ratings"

I bet they kiss his butt....they wouldn't want to lose him to Fox!

[Sofa King]

They're deeply troubling to anyone who has half a brain and pays attention.

[FreedomPoster]

John Stossel is the only person at ABCNNBCBS that I will actively schedule for and change the channel to watch. I'm amazed that he's still in the lamestream media, especially after reading Bernard Goldberg's "Arrogance".

[Vigilantcitizen]

""Finding things that don't appear in the Constitution as being constitutionally protected, and finding parts of laws that are expressly forbidden in the Constitution to be constitutional, are deeply troubling to me."... as it should be. Years ago, I met a woman who tried to tell me about the assault on the Constitution.. at the time I thought her a bit wacky. Now I realize she was right."

Funny you mention...

I had a friend tell me the same thing regarding the constitution. He also told me that Europe would unite into one country, and the whole world but the US would turn on Israel.

This was in 1982, and yes, I thought he was crazy.

[InterceptPoint]

John Stossel just has to be a short-timer at ABC. There is no way these guys are going to let someone like Stossel keep telling the truth. I'm betting he's at Fox News within 2 years.

[joesnuffy]

Poor guy probably means they are getting ready to set him up for something......

[Phaedrus]

Stossel was excellent last night, and not just in the gun segment. Bumping ...

[Jimmy Valentine's brother]

I agree with your assessment. The part on DDT usage was terrific. Maybe DDT will get a reprieve when deaths due to West Nile virus reach epidemic proportions across the country.

[WinOne4TheGipper]

Now if only we could clone him and give him the anchor jobs at all three networks, we'd be alright.;-)

[WinOne4TheGipper]

And he made Sharpton look like an idiot not once, but twice.

Of course, that's not hard to do.

[DCPatriot]

What was the #1 item in the list of 10? I didn't see it, and it was missing on last nite's thread.

[lonestar]

I came in on the middle and thought it was a segment on "The Myths of Michael Moore."

[LowCountryJoe]

I heard ABC management and the others on that show really dislike his commentary--but they have to acknowledge that his segments bring in some of the most postive e-mails, letters, and faxes to the show. Translation: they hate his politics but he is good for ratings.

I didn't know that Diane Sawyer was considered "too conservative" by her colleagues until I read Coulters book, Slander. Now Stossel comes out with his hour-long segment to promote his new book. ABC knows that they grabbed a significant viewership last night and I bet they're hoping it will continue.

There is a trend occurring here with television media types snuggling up to conservatives. I don't know about any of you, but I found it kind of queer that Brian Williams had great things to say about Rush Limbaugh on the day of his 15th Anniversary of the EIB Network. And just the other day, I heard Sam Donaldson trashing extreme liberals while sucking up to Sean Hannity on Sean's radio program.

Thank you, Rupert Murdoch, for setting a much needed trend.