In its latest diatribe against self-defense rights, The Lantern again spouts negative claims about concealed carry of self-defense weapons. No criminological evidence is presented, in the form of either study citations or anecdotal accounts. In which states having CCW (concealed carry of weapons) provisions does “Anystreet Drive” turn into “something from ‘Gangs of New York’ ” just because more people are allowed to carry weapons? Why was The Lantern unable to provide an example?
The Lantern asks, “If any random person can carry a concealed weapon, who knows what could happen in the streets?” Why doesn’t The Lantern investigate the circumstances in Vermont? In that state, CCW is legal and no license — or even training — is required. This is true of either residents or nonresidents. Or how about the neighboring state of New Hampshire, which requires a permit, but no training? Since these states have had these CCW provisions for many years, there ought to be a bottomless cornucopia of gun accidents and “parking lot shootout” horror stories which The Lantern can tap into. I’m waiting …
The Lantern also states, “More guns just mean more violence.” My own studies of the relevant criminological literature indicate that, in our present society at least, the presence or absence of guns (whether legally carried or simply owned) has little or no measurable relationship to levels of violence. I say this having a passing familiarity with the work of Professors Gary Kleck, James Wright, and Franklin Zimring. Would The Lantern care to comment on these criminologists and their work? Has The Lantern even heard of any of them? Has anyone at The Lantern ever cracked open a professional journal and actually critically read a study?
Finally, The Lantern also believes that “the only way a concealed bill should be passed is if schools provided more education on the subject.” What “education” do Lantern editors have on firearms and violence? I suspect their education consists mainly of watching Hollywood actors pretending to kill each other on the silver screen as “entertainment.” I’m not sure what Hollywood is “teaching” about guns these days (I prefer nonviolent “chick flicks” at the Drexel), but I am willing to sit down with any Lantern folks and give a short class (with citations — and reservations — I’m not a “know-it-all”) on whatever they would like to know. Or, if they would rather go shooting (after safety training), I could arrange that as well. Is that too scary?
Please e-mail me for my background and to set up a meeting. Or is actually listening to a long-time “student of violence” such as myself too much trouble? I’ll even buy the doughnuts.
Karl SpauldingOSU staff member
