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armedandsafe 05-18-2009 09:13 PM
Polling data re: gun control
 
This was published in New Jersey!, no less.

Quote:
Support Plummets for Restrictions on Gun Rights
Posted by sbach May 15, 2009 08:15AM
This weekend, more than 50,000 peaceable gun owners are expected to descend upon Phoenix, Arizona to celebrate a unique freedom guaranteed by our Constitution: the right to keep and bear arms. The event is the annual meeting of the National Rifle Association, and among the throngs will be several thousand New Jerseyans.

Though some anti-gun rights extremists pretend that gun owners represent a tiny minority, the fact is that there are more than 90 million firearms owners in this country, and lawful gun ownership is the mainstream in America today.

Four different polls recently point to declining support for gun restrictions as the answer to crime. In October, a Gallup poll found that fewer Americans than ever favor handgun bans, based on Gallup's 49 year history of polling on the issue. Support fell from a high of 60% in 1959 to a low of less than 30% in 2008. The same trend repeats itself in a question on whether more restrictions are needed on the sales of all firearms, not just handguns.

In addition, three different media polls taken in April reflect plummeting support for gun control. CNN found support has fallen by double digits to less than 40% while an ABC News-Washington Post poll found that more than 60% support enforcing current laws against criminals rather than passing new laws restricting the rights of law abiding citizens. NBC News and The Wall Street Journal found that support for a ban on rifles has fallen by a third in the last 18 years.

All of these polls show what peaceable gun owners already know - that support for the Second Amendment is the dominant belief in America today, and the fallacy that restricting the rights of honest citizens will impact crime has been exposed for what it is.

Those who pretend that gun owners are a tiny minority are the same ones who decry the so-called "gun lobby" as all powerful. If gun owners are really such a tiny minority, then how could the organizations that represent them be so powerful?

In truth, there really is no "gun lobby." But there are many millions of individuals who believe deeply in the Second Amendment who have organized themselves into groups like NRA to speak with one resounding voice. The late Charlton Heston said it best: "the NRA is a fellowship of millions dedicated to the singular proposition of defending freedom from its adversaries." I'm proud to be one of them.





Categories: Law & order, Policy watch, Politics
Comments
Joiseydude says...
I am a gun owner, and I support the right to bear arms. However, the statement that there is no gun lobby is utterly stupid and downright dishonest. Perhaps the author is a part of the gravy train funded by the NRA? There is no question that it is far too easy for people to buy guns who should not own guns. If you're not a criminal, why should you care if you have to wait a few days to buy your gun or go through some screenings?
Our elected officials have long since stopped working for mainstream America. They now only work for the $$ they get from lobbyists incl the NRA. It is the very worst form of deceit to call this sort of bribery free speech. As a gun owner, I don't need, and I don't want a bunch of sleazy paid schills speaking for me in Washington or anywhere else.

Posted on 05/15/09 at 9:29AM
scottbach says...
TO JOISEYDUDE:

I am uncompensated for the work I do defending your rights -- rights you seem ready to relinquish. One of the points that I am making in this blog post is that gun rights organizations, unlike industry lobbies, are grassroots organizations representing millions of freedom-loving individuals. It is false and misleading to cast them in the same light as industry lobbies, which is a rhetorical trick intended to create bias against them before the substance of their positions is even looked at. They defend freedom, and the reason they are strong is not because they are a "lobby," but because the millions they represent vote for pro-freedom candidates at the polls.

- Scott Bach.

Posted on 05/15/09 at 9:47AM
fulostix says...
Scott,

I agree with you 100%. The defense of freedom can no way be compared to industry lobbying. Our guaranteed individual rights are something that ever American should stand up for and defend. Now unfortunately in New Jersey...these rights are tarnished by government officials who do not believe in their oath of office. I have sent countless emails and letters to memebrs of the NJ legislature and I barely get a response when it comes to our Second Amendment freedom. I am waiting for the day when the Second Amendment is finally honored in NJ and citizens are "permitted" to excercise their fundamental rights. Who knows, maybe one day "the right to bear arms (concealed carry)" for self defense in Jersey will not need to be "justified." ..strength in numbers...spread the word

Posted on 05/15/09 at 10:15AM
joiseydude says...
Scott: If you want to kid yourself that you are doing "the work of the people" by working for the gun lobby then you go right ahead. This doesn't change the fact that in today's world any group can organize themselves, put money behind it and buy enough Congresspersons to wreak havoc on our society. Don't kid yourself that you are protecting my freedoms. My freedoms are most in jeopardy when a bunch of lobbying lawyers descends upon our capital. The decisions that come out the other end don't benefit anyone but the people with the money behind it. You are part of the problem -- not part of the solution.

Posted on 05/15/09 at 10:17AM
Synik says...
Joiseydude, you sure don't sound like a gun owner. You should know that it's not easy to legally get a gun in NJ, and it takes months, not days, for the approval process to be completed. We'd be in big trouble if we counted on you to stand up for our 2nd A rights. Thanks, Scott.

Posted on 05/15/09 at 11:13AM
jerseycity70 says...
What's with this *far to easy to buy guns* stuff?

What State do these people live in?

Posted on 05/15/09 at 11:43AM
lscool says...
Joiseydude

You are a fraud.


I'll bet that you are really Frank Lautenberg writing under false pretenses, or you are just off your medications!


To all the others who have responded:
Are you members of the NRA?

I am.

You should be as well.

Posted on 05/15/09 at 12:40PM
Synik says...
Yes, and ANJRPC.

Posted on 05/15/09 at 1:02PM
maksim says...
Make sure you visit NJgunforums.com

all things firearms for those in NJ.

Posted on 05/15/09 at 2:25PM
FLDrA says...
Joiseydude, there are legitimate reasons for objecting to delays and requirements to go through a dealer with background check. The first is the added cost. If there was a real legitimate benefit for the background check, then it should come out of public funding. Perhaps the background check could be made free and individuals could make a background check if they didn't already know the purchaser.

Waiting and limiting the number of guns to be bought at one time can inhibit participation in particular gun sports -- cowboy action competition requires two pistols, a rifle and a shotgun. A large caliber hunting pistol makes a 22 companion very desireable.

Registration has no defineable purpose except to allow arbitrary restrictions on ownership. Note that a convicted felon cannot be required to register a firearm; the only people that can be legally required to register a firearm are those that can legally posses them (Supreme court has ruled that otherwise would be to require self-incrimnation.)

Posted on 05/18/09 at 12:14PM
Oldshooter says...
JoiseyDude: Are you aware that the NRA is the oldest civil rights organization in the country? They were formed right after the civil war, with one of their primary reasons being to support the rights of recently freed slaves. At that time, the first gun control legislation was being passed, usually in southern states, with the intention of preventing freed slaves from owning guns, which were necessary to defend themselves and their communities. In fact, this is the actual origin of the first laws banning "Saturday Night Specials." Another major goal was to bring some standardization and regulation to the area of shooting competitions within the US, and they remain the group that regulates virtually all shooting sports in the US today. BTW, I joined in 1960 because I was a competitive shooter in high school and college. At that time there was little need for political activism because the govt was not yet infringing our constitutionally protected rights. So if the NRA is a Lobby, by the same rationale, so are the NAACP, CORE, NCAA, NASCAR, PRCA, SPCA, etc. If that's how you define a "Lobby" fine, but if so, I for one, am proud to be a Life Member of this lobby.

Posted on 05/18/09 at 2:47PM
Oldshooter says...
JoiseyDude: Are you aware that the NRA is the oldest civil rights organization in the country? They were formed right after the civil war, with one of their primary reasons being to support the rights of recently freed slaves. At that time, the first gun control legislation was being passed, usually in southern states, with the intention of preventing freed slaves from owning guns, which were necessary to defend themselves and their communities. In fact, this is the actual origin of the first laws banning "Saturday Night Specials." Another major goal was to bring some standardization and regulation to the area of shooting competitions within the US, and they remain the group that regulates virtually all shooting sports in the US today. BTW, I joined in 1960 because I was a competitive shooter in high school and college. At that time there was little need for political activism because the govt was not yet infringing our constitutionally protected rights. So if the NRA is a Lobby, by the same rationale, so are the NAACP, CORE, NCAA, NASCAR, PRCA, SPCA, etc. If that's how you define a "Lobby" fine, but if so, I for one, am proud to be a Life Member of this lobby.

Posted on 05/18/09 at 2:47PM
veryhighpowe says...
Scott, well done. Joysey you seem to miss the whole point. Why should the government check to see if a a gun buyer can leagally owne that gun. Instead of checking every citizen they should be checking a much smaller data base of convicted felons and mental health patients.
There should be a check to see if your name is on that list and that is all. The way they are doing it now they are assuming you are a criminal untill the chack comes back that you are not a criminal. There are many more law abiding citizens in the USA than there are criminals ans sicko's.

Posted on 05/18/09 at 4:06PM
tsiya says...
If a government could be guaranteed never to set the goal of banning all individual gun rights there wouldn't be much problem with allowing more regulation, but, some governments can't be trusted, and we have one of those now,
Don't beleive for a moment that everyone pushing for more gun control is interested in reducing crime. Many of them simply want all power held in government hands.

Posted on 05/18/09 at 6:41PM
fr8dog says...
"Joiseydude" claims to be a New Jersey gun owner yet criticizes the NRA for being a "gun lobby", implying it exerts "undue influence" on government. I'll not argue semantics. If "Joiseydude" wants to call the NRA a lobby, fine call it anything you want. I'm also a member of ALPA, & AOPA , which are also organizations representing my interests in Washington. Im thankful they do. Keep in mind that if it were not for the efforts of the NRA and its legal arm the ILA, people like Joiseydude, living in gun restrictive States like New Jersey which refuse to conform to the intent of the 2nd Amd would not enjoy what few gun rights they still have. And those living in the 40 less restrictive States would not enjoy the 2nd Amd. rights they've won; largely through the legal efforts of the NRA. This is way I and my wife are NRA life members.

NOTE to Scott: Thanks for the support. With people like "Joiseydude" around, we need all the help we can get.

fr8dog
NRA Life Member

Posted on 05/18/09 at 7:55PM
ali66 says...
The New Jersey handgun permit system is unconstitutional and should be abolished. The NICS background check is all that is required in 46 other states. Anyway criminals don't apply for or pass any background checks. The permit system doesn't do anything but hassle legal gun owners. Additionally, the time has come for legal gun owners to be able to obtain concealed carry permits. The constitution has no provisions for permits or limitations of concealed carry permits if a citizen so chooses to do so. People should start lawsuits against whoever puts these and enforces these unless restrictions. I agree with Scott join the NRA and let your voice be heard for all freedoms. Let freedom ring.

Posted on 05/18/09 at 8:30PM
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jacksonco 05-19-2009 09:40 AM
Re: Polling data re: gun control
 
And I am supposed to believe this right wing extemest propoganda.


YOU CAN BET THE FARM!

:) Jeff

Forsaken72 01-19-2012 12:59 AM
Re: Polling data re: gun control
 
From what ive been reading iowa may get a constitutional right to keep and bear arms this year. sounds like we may be moving in the right direction.

raven818 01-19-2012 04:43 PM
Re: Polling data re: gun control
 
Quote:
All of these polls show what peaceable gun owners already know - that support for the Second Amendment is the dominant belief in America today, and the fallacy that restricting the rights of honest citizens will impact crime has been exposed for what it is.
Here in Florida, the crime rate has dropped dramatically. An actual study, followed up by the state, attributed the rate drop to gun ownership by private citizens. Sales have been at their highest since 2010.

Unfortunately for those here in Jacksonville, we are, and have been, the murder capital of the state..Not Miami, not North Miami, not Ft. Lauderdale, Not Tampa...us. We are, by some, considered in a tie with Miami-Dade.

Jacksonville has 1,313,228 people. Most are in rural areas outside Jax proper. Miami-Dade has 2,496,435 people. It is what most folks would call a large city. I fail to see how our two cities can be compared. Miami= almost all city dwellers... Jacksonville = 3/4 rural. A much smaller population " in town " here, doing the largest percentage of killings, daily.

Quote:
Posted: 7:37 p.m. Friday, Dec. 2, 2011

By Matt Augustine and Alyssa Spirato

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. —

A new study out of the University of North Florida shows that Jacksonville remains Florida's murder capital, despite the beliefs of many that Duval county had slipped into second place.

UNF Criminology Department chair Dr. Michael Hallett and a group of students studied homicide statistics from the Florida Department of Law Enforcement as well as coverage of the homicide crisis in Jacksonville as told by editorials in the Florida Times-Union.

"We found that, in fact, statistically Duval county was tied for number one with Miami-Dade and had, in fact, not fallen to number two," says Hallett.

The study looked at the number of murders per 100,000 people. Duval county and Miami-Dade both had a 9 percent homicide rate. But Miami-Dade county has about 1.5 million more people living in it than Duval county. Escambia county was not included in the study becasue it only looked at counties with populations of 500,000 or greater. They also examined statistics of violent crimes using firearms.

Hallett says the study is not an attack on the JSO or the state attorney's office, or meant in any way to diminish the efforts of the agencies to stem the homicide problem. Instead, he says it's meant to draw attention to the fact that despite what we often hear, murder and violent crimes are still very much present in our community.

"Lots of people out there want to declare victory on violence and crime in Jacksonville, and our analysis of the data shows that it's not time to declare victory yet."

Despite the UNF study, however, Sheriff John Rutherford is backing his statement that Jacksonville is experiencing lower crime rates, saying we are experiencing the lowest crime and murder rates in forty years.

“That success is in how we use those officers. By going out and getting the community to work with us. The gun bounty program, operation safe streets, knocking on those seventy-seven thousand doors,” says Rutherford.

But he says if you ask people if they feel safer today than in years past, they will say no. Although from 1991 to today, he says the crime rate has dropped from 68 thousand to 48 thousand.

“We are very happy about these numbers because they are the lowest we’ve had in 40 years. But I’m not happy with these numbers,” says Rutherford.

He continued on to say that most people do not feel safe because of how crime is reported in our community.

“So you’re literally twice as safe today as you were in 1991. But nobody feels it. Nobody feels it because of the way that we report crime,” says Rutherford.

He says it’s because of national news being reported on a local level.
Rutherford is in the paper daily, and doing his best to keep his job. One could expect no less from a politician who is in deep trouble to defend himself.


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