* From : [d h clark] at [crl.com], (11 Jul 96 21:51)
* To   : ba-firearms
* Subj : Black Avenger on CCW

{  from http://www.hamblin.com/articles/proof.html 
Ken Hamblin can, of course, be heard on KSFO AM560 in the early 
afternoon. -dhc }

Statistical proof they seldom talk about 

Perhaps I'm writing this column today because in all likelihood, you're
not likely to read about the following statistics anyplace else in
[this] newspaper.

You are about to read statistical facts and anecdotes that support the
premise that conceal-carry laws and a responsible armed citizenry do in
fact contribute to the reduction of criminal activity in U.S.
communities.

According to a recent list of reasons, good reasons, not to be dependent
on the kindness of strangers published in the April issue of The Firing
Line, "Since the passage of Florida's concealed carry law in 1987, more
than 258,000 (law-abiding Floridians) have received permits to carry
firearms."

Much to the displeasure of anti-handgun groups such as Handgun Control
Inc. in Washington, D.C., Federal Bureau of Investigation reports
confirm that the rate of homicide in the Sunshine State has indeed
declined by 22 percent in the years since passage of the law
acknowledging people's right to defend themselves.

Predictably, at least according to the folks who believe that criminals
tend to look for easy pickings, the national rate has risen 14 percent
during the same period.

Firing Line noted that according to the Florida Department of State, "Of
the 258,000 citizens who have received permits, only 18 people have used
their gun to commit a crime." That equals a crime rate of 0.007 percent.

If Mothers Against Drunk Driving could achieve that kind of a response
to its "don't drink and drive" behest, no doubt the great American
highway would be a much less dangerous place.

The article noted a 1976 comparison between Georgia and Wisconsin, which
had tried two different approaches to conducting a war against crime. In
Georgia, lawmakers enacted legislation making it easier for a
law-abiding citizen to carry a firearm for protection, while the
Pollyanna anti-gun liberals in Wisconsin held fast to their passive
notions by passing a law requiring a 48-hour wait before a resident
could purchase a gun.

Although the network newsboys never touted it, I'm almost sure you can
imagine, or at least guess, what occurred.

According to statistics, the result of clearing the path to purchase a
firearm in Georgia served as a deterrent to bad guys and gals busting
into peoples homes to rob and terrorize them.

According to gun owners, Georgia's willingness to eliminate the
draconian legislation that made it more difficult and complicated for
the typical victims of crime to defend themselves resulted in a 21
percent decline in crime in the state.

In fact in 1982, communities like Kennsaw, Ga., a suburb of crime ridden
Atlanta, imposed a law requiring the heads of house holds to keep at
least one weapon on the premises at all times. Predictably the burglary
rate declined by an unbelievable 89 percent, compared with a 10.4
percent drop in Georgia as a whole.

But did that convince or impress the anti-handgun liberal element? Not
on your life. Especially because liberals hold true to the belief that
criminals, and the crimes they commit, are the direct result of poverty
aroused by the ruthless grip capitalism and white racism unjustly held
over African-American minorities.

And how did liberal anti-handgun Wisconsin compare? 

Its murder rate rose by 33 percent during the same period. 

Firing Line noted that, a decade later, the residential burglary rate in
Kennesaw continued to be 72 percent lower than it had been in 1981,
before the residents had been encouraged by lawmakers to arm and protect
themselves and their homes.

Despite statistical evidence, liberals still refuse to admit that they
may be morally and ethically wrong, if not cruel and mean, to continue
to lobby against legislation that would grant Jack and Jill Average
American the legal authority to defend themselves.

Ah, liberals. They are truly a strange breed of cat. I long ago dubbed
them the No. 1 most dastardly affliction facing our nation.