In talking to antis, one common reason they give to not wanting to own a gun (or not wanting _me_ to own a gun!) is the belief that you are more likely to be shot with your own gun then to use it defending your life.
I don't know where they get this statistic or if it is true (I doubt it) but that doesn't really matter. What matters is they believe it.
I guess my questiom is: is there data that proves the statement to be false? Preferably it would be data from some neutral source (these antis would never believe data that came from the NRA, for example).
I think we need to have good, solid answers to these types of remarks if we are to make any converts. People, in general (especially in California), don't give a rat's ass about any freedom that doesn't directly affect them. The 2nd amendment "well armed militia" argument does nothing but scare them.
IMO, the only way to help these people who are ready and willing to burn the constitution for what they think will bring them safety is to make them feel more comfortable around guns - ideally getting them interested in them as well.
I don't know where they get this statistic or if it is true (I doubt it) but that doesn't really matter. What matters is they believe it.
I guess my questiom is: is there data that proves the statement to be false? Preferably it would be data from some neutral source (these antis would never believe data that came from the NRA, for example).
I think we need to have good, solid answers to these types of remarks if we are to make any converts. People, in general (especially in California), don't give a rat's ass about any freedom that doesn't directly affect them. The 2nd amendment "well armed militia" argument does nothing but scare them.
IMO, the only way to help these people who are ready and willing to burn the constitution for what they think will bring them safety is to make them feel more comfortable around guns - ideally getting them interested in them as well.