Norma B. suggests a number of measures to combat “gun violence” in the July 13–19 issue of your paper. One suggestion, recently revealed as popular by WA Poll, is “banning assault rifles.” However, for the year 2020, FBI statistics state that less than 3% of murders were committed with rifles — a category that includes “assault rifles” as well as hunting rifles and other firearms.
Banning “assault rifles” is popular because they are black and scary and most people don’t understand how they work. They are a symbol in a culture war — not the most promising avenue of change. For example, a NIH study found a closer link between gun violence and poverty than between gun violence and gun ownership. Taking steps to shape our society so that everyone is housed, fed and supported by a community would do more to reduce gun violence — and violence in general — than any restrictive legislation.
Read more of the Aug. 10-16, 2022 issue.