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John Stossel / ABC News Explode Gun Control Myth
MCRGO (Internet) ^ | 1/24/04 | Stu Chisholm

Posted on 01/24/2004 4:58:05 AM PST by 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


TOPICS: News/Current Events
KEYWORDS: abcnews; bang; banglist; crime; firearms; guncontrol; myth; stossel
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To: itsinthebag
I dont have one off hand in text format. Hows this?


61 posted on 01/24/2004 9:01:47 AM PST by gnarledmaw
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To: Glockslinger
It was an excellent show, the gun segment and the one on DDT especially.

In the gun segment, criminals voiced their positions - they will NEVER abide by gun laws, and the ONE thing they were worried about was their intended victim being armed.

On Hannity & Fruitcake last night, Sean also debated a utter moron about the FACTS of gun control by Dr. John Lott.

62 posted on 01/24/2004 9:02:22 AM PST by 4CJ (||) Support free speech and stop CFR - visit www.ArmorforCongress.com (||)
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To: Samwise
That was just more of weasley's mangled speaking. He DOES NOT want the average American to have the right of Conceal Carry.

I worked hard to get my permit, having never shot a gun before. TN has a mandatory 8 hour safety course. I had to have lessons to teach me to shoot before I took the safety course.

I was sick as a dog, running a temp and I'd broken two toes the night before I took my CCW qualification test. I passed it.

I don't want pi$$ants like weasley, edwards, kerry or the other RATs to gum up the laws we ALL worked hard to get passed in our individual states.

63 posted on 01/24/2004 9:29:53 AM PST by GailA (Millington Rally for America after action http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/872519/posts)
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To: Glockslinger; Travis McGee; Eaker; harpseal; glock rocks; wardaddy; Joe Brower; SLB; Jeff Head
Whoo Hoo !.........:o)
64 posted on 01/24/2004 9:46:56 AM PST by Squantos (Salmon...the other pink meat !)
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To: Glockslinger
Email sent:

"Brovo John Stossel and 20/20 for your honest look at guns and gun laws! I have waited all my life (I'm 46) to see an accurate look at guns and crime, and finally Mr. Stossel has done it! Well done!"

My Name,

San Diego

65 posted on 01/24/2004 9:54:41 AM PST by Travis McGee (----- www.EnemiesForeignAndDomestic.com -----)
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To: RedWhiteBlue
BUMP!!!
66 posted on 01/24/2004 10:00:41 AM PST by ConservativeMan55 (You...You sit down! You've had your say and now I'll have mine!!!!)
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To: uncbob
They also lumped gang and drive-by related shooting deaths in with death of children by firearms.

Misleading people into thinking that they weren't storing their firearms properly and justifying that all guns must have safety locks.

What is ridiculous is that there were only a handful of actual deaths of children due to improper storage of firearms and hundreds of deaths due to dive by/gang killings.
67 posted on 01/24/2004 10:16:07 AM PST by dhs12345
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To: Squantos; Travis McGee
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."

LOL...that is because we are less likely to say "Freeze MFer".....and some of us like Squantos are better shots.

;>)

68 posted on 01/24/2004 10:22:59 AM PST by wardaddy ("either the arabs are at your throat, or at your feet")
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To: 7.62 x 51mm; Travis McGee
Done.
69 posted on 01/24/2004 10:29:52 AM PST by wardaddy ("either the arabs are at your throat, or at your feet")
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To: Ed_in_NJ
"In a desperate struggle to survive, ABC is beginning to tell the truth in selected subject areas!"

I agree with your assessment.

70 posted on 01/24/2004 10:35:42 AM PST by leadpencil1
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To: itsinthebag
Packing.org
71 posted on 01/24/2004 10:39:30 AM PST by Eaker (Place your clothes and weapons where you can find them in the dark. - Lazarus Long)
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To: wardaddy
Used to watch folks shoot at the range as much as I liked to shoot also. Something to be studied IMO. Folks that I knew whom had been either involved in shootings or were robbed or assulted at some point and the standard trained CHL/LEO sort have really different outlooks on what is the proper application of 230gr solution.

The LEO or CHL/CCW sort that has never been in pucker factor sh*t and go blind mode would do at best a fast failure drill of 2 to the A zone and 1 to the head , sweep left and right for additional threat and lower their muzzle to look and access their hits.

The victims and victors of violence past club would draw and walk to or approach the target while firing fast and accurate and continue till they run dry or (for the best of em) counting their rounds for a perfect speed reload on the move.

I'm still of the mindset that when one is assulted by a animal that considers you and yours prey. Get medevil on the SOB ...be it with a Club or a Colt get crazy assed ugly, loud and scary and remember that it is much better to have only one side to the story and the forensic evidence of facts and truth when all is said and done.

Taxpayers get a better deal from a CHL Citizen who stops the threat as it's encountered and can't be avoided......for ever and for free.

Stay Safe and remember the handgun is a temporary tool till ya can get to the 12 gauge !

72 posted on 01/24/2004 10:51:26 AM PST by Squantos (Salmon...the other pink meat !)
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To: canis major
ping
73 posted on 01/24/2004 10:56:27 AM PST by sergeantkill
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To: GailA
Liberals have a similar mentality about a lot of issues:

You can't have guns because we can not control what you do with them

You can't control your social security benefits because we don't trust you and we want to control this, also

We can't let free market substitute for government work because then we can't control it... blah blah blah

74 posted on 01/24/2004 11:00:02 AM PST by cowtowney
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To: snowfreak
ping
75 posted on 01/24/2004 11:07:23 AM PST by sergeantkill
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To: narses
BTTT
76 posted on 01/24/2004 12:33:16 PM PST by Dajjal
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To: Squantos
BUMP!
77 posted on 01/24/2004 12:39:16 PM PST by glock rocks (molon labe)
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To: Squantos
"The victims and victors of violence past club would draw and walk to or approach the target while firing fast and accurate and continue till they run dry or (for the best of em) counting their rounds for a perfect speed reload on the move."

In your opinion, Squantos, what's the best way one could practice this? Most ranges (including the two I go to) don't allow this sort of thing.

I carry, and have a Florida CCW. My piece is a Springfield "loaded" 1911A1, carry it in a Fobus paddle holster with a spare mag on the opposite side.

The tactic above sounds like the most promising, especially in the adrenaline-charged atmosphere of a real gunfight. Obviously, one should practice BOTH tactics to refine one's skills, but ranges nowadays seem to restrict all shooting except careful aimed fire. Both of mine even prohibit practicing the draw, as well as reapid-fire and "point" shooting. Any advice?

78 posted on 01/24/2004 12:50:24 PM PST by Long Cut
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To: TheGeezer
Passed during the Reagan adminsitration. Ironic, ain't it?

The Brady Bill was passed by Congress in 1994. IIRC, Clinton was president at the time.

79 posted on 01/24/2004 1:21:33 PM PST by rmh47 (Go Kats! - Got Seven?)
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To: sergeantkill
I watched stunned that this was actually on primetime. Awesome.
80 posted on 01/24/2004 1:32:56 PM PST by canis major (this space for rent)
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