Gun control advocates heart firearms-related suicide stats. They constantly lump them in with firearms-related homicide data to double the number of “gun deaths” in the U.S. The antis also portray guns as suicide enablers; depressed people wouldn’t be able to kill themselves so easily if they didn’t have “easy access” to firearms. A new study from the Centers for Disease Prevention (Suicide Among Adults Aged 35–64 Years — United States, 1999–2010) reveals some new, not-entirely-helpful-to-the-gun-grabbers’ information about firearms-related suicides. The New York Times story on the report breezes over the relevant data (‘natch). Not us . . .
Notice that guns as a suicide “mechanism” have increased by the smallest percentage. “Suffocation” and “Other” are number one and two without a bullet in terms of percentage increase. Blame the pain pill epidemic for the soaring number of poisonings.
Add-up the three listed non-firearm suicide mechanisms can you discover that they account for more suicides than firearms.
For perspective, also consider the fact that Japan (a “gun free zone”) had a 21.7 per 100k suicide rate in 2012 (including all age groups). The U.S. ranks number 33 on the international list of suicide stats, well behind both Japan and “gun free” New Zealand.
The antis don’t care about facts. They reckon if they save one life by eliminating your Constitutional right to keep and bear arms it’s worth it. Even if the number of lives lost as a result—through criminal predation or government persecution—is greater than the number of lives saved.
Still, if they’re so concerned about “gun deaths” why don’t they create government programs to address suicide—without discouraging gun owners from seeking help by automatically removing the gun rights? Yes, there is that.
I need some help with my Colt revolver. I bought it at a gun show in Texas, supposed to be an antique Colt Peacemaker. Got home to Virginia and found the hammer was broken, a hammer piece and the firing pin were epoxied together. Then I find it’s not a Colt but a knock-off. I got taken. Does anybody know where I might find a gunsmith to fix it. contact Joe Cannon, [email protected]
I’m a little confused by this… the NYT article doesn’t mention guns, or gun deaths. It simply discusses the rising trend of suicide, the groups most affected and the methods that are increasing the most. I’m all for bashing the NYT, but this doesn’t seem to be about guns one way or another.
Edit: Also, to the point in your last paragraph, I’m pretty sure that’s what Australia did… around the time they passed their gun ban (1997) they implemented suicide prevention measures, such as more readily available anti-depressants. I’m not positive on this and a quick google search doesn’t turn anything up.
Yeah, restrict them to LE only. It’s not like a cop in California is going to go nuts and shoot people for a week before they catch up to him in a cabin.
My dad always says “Youth and exuberance are no match for old age and treachery.”
Possession? Seriously? That’s not even illegal in Canada. (Ignoring the whole licensing aspect of it for a moment.) The crap that comes out of politicians’ mouths these days…
These events are starting to come regularly, at least frequently enough to keep it in the news. When Boston fades we might see another one. And then another. The problem is obviously we have to win each battle, they only need to win one. Once the bans are in place that’s it. They won’t have sunset provisions and will use general language designed to snare everything.
Shoot what you want while you still can.
+1 on the SAM splints. I carry a 36″ in my truck and when hiking along with a couple of the finger splints. If you have a good pair of medical sheers in your kit, you can also cut strips off the larger SAM splints to make smaller ones. Those are all great recommendations and I carry all of them, plus some a bunch of other items. The Combat Application Tourniquet works great. However, on my backpacking trips, weight is a big deal and so multi-use items are a big plus. So, when hiking, I carry the SWAT-T Tourniquet, seen here:
http://swattourniquet.com/
It can be used as a tourniquet, pressure bandage, or just an elastic wrap. Plus it doesn’t take up much room. It also only costs a third of the CAT if you order from the right place. I got mine from a vendor through Amazon that included free shipping, so I only paid $9.45 a piece. I keep a CAT in my truck, but favor the SWAT-T for hiking since it is light wight, simple, and multi-use. It also works great with the SAM splints.
RF did you send them a stern warning about trigger safety?
Suicide is a serious problem. I find it morally and intellectually bankrupt that people want to pretend that somehow background checks, magazine capacity restrictions, or weapons bans reduce suicide. Mentally ill people need to be identified and see a doctor, not the magic wand of gun control.
Shooter at Bush Airport in Houston was suicidal. And not a TEA Party white guy. Where’s the media? Apparently this doesn’t fit the narrative.
http://wr2a.wordpress.com/2013/05/03/carnell-marcus-moore-bush-airport-shooter-not-white-tea-party-terrorist/
*crickets*
The topic of suicide itself is a touchy one. Maybe the ultimate rights arguement: you didn’t decide to bring yourself into this world, should you be able to take yourself out of it? Very deep moral and legal questions there. Philosophy aside, I’ve seen and known quite a few suicides, they are always tragic stories with many grieving people left behind…
Having worked as a crime scene deputy for several years, I know that when a person is serious about killing them-self , they will find a way. Any way. I once saw guy kill himself with a payphone in the jail. Put the cord around his neck and slid off the bench.
I had an ak-47 on layaway when my wife told me she was pregnant. As soon as we found out we were having a girl, I went to the gun shop, traded the money I had down on the AK and bought my daughter a pink cricket. I look forward to the day I can teach her about gun safety and take her to the range with me and I’ll be dammed if the antis take that away from her and I.
Poor Lindsey. Imagine how sad she would be if she hadn’t made millions of dollars already.
“why don’t they create government programs to address suicide”
The last thing we need is another government program. How about we point out that most of these societal ills were lower before the Gun Control Act of 68 & the National Firearms Act of 34. When you could get a full auto Tommy gun in the mail, people were not killing themselves or each other the way they are now.
Wish I could be there and thanks for the coverage for thoes of us who cant be there. Y’all have a good day. Sarah Palin is a MILF
Logic fail: The NRA’s flip-flop on background checks was turning its back on 3 million members and was working on behalf of the manufacturers’ profit margins instead.
Reality check: The manufacturers’ profit margins would hardly notice a background check requirement. They don’t get a dime from private party transfers. If anything, easier private party transfers would cut into their profit margins, as it makes it more convenient to buy guns on the second-hand market. As for retailers, I know a couple gun store owners and another FFL that were all for “universal background checks” as they would drive additional business to them.
“Mark Kelly is a Statist puppet with the Obama administration’s hand on his strings masquerading as a gun violence prevention advocate,” I told readers in the comments section.
and every time Mark Kelley opens his mouth, my eyes glaze over, and I believe ever stupid word out of his mouth.
And Mark Kelly is a get rich quick scheme disgusied as a gun safety campaign.
Now if only Magpul would dip into Vepr/Saiga shotgun magazines, then we’d be cooking with grease.
“Gubbins”. Wow. Even an old guy can learn new words. Is it anything like a kibble?
Um… let us consider a few salient points:
– these women are integral to the NRA convention;
– you are covering the convention;
– you are presenting them as they are – not providing costumes or such;
– in keeping with TTAG’s mission statement, they would appear to be relevant to the fun, danger and culture of guns;
– politically correct is for the “differently brained;”
– no coercion or misdemeanor would appear to have occurred;
– a numerically significant population appreciate these captioned ‘photos;
– noone has a right to not be offended.
In short, rock on!
Jericho941 is spot on. The issue is one of appropriateness. Everything in its right place, so to speak.
If a woman wants to come to a firearms website to read about firearms news and politics, without having to deal with stereotypical sexist bullshit, she should be afforded that opportunity.
It lowers the quality of serious discussion for the site, and speaks to the maturity of its writers – one could easily have the same articles without the “hurr hurr I liek women” stuff, and it would not in any way affect the quality of the site as a firearms blog.
As it stands, these remain the sort of things that turn women away from the firearms community – being gawked at for their looks rather than respected as fellow firearms enthusiasts.
It is one thing to capture the NRA convention as it is – booth babes included. But when you make posts such as the one about DeAnna, you’re telling a modestly dressed woman that her looks are more important than where she’s from, who she is, and what sort of firearms she likes to shoot.
It’s like, here we are at the NRA convention and here’s a picture of some guy. He might actually be a real person, with thoughts and interests and opinions, but who cares – let’s stare at him instead because “sometimes the journey is the destination.”
You could have asked her how she ended up as an ambassador for the NRA convention, but again – to you she is only as important as her looks.
If you want to take these pictures for your own personal use, by all means, go right ahead.
But if you’re going to include them as befitting the level of discussion here among the “Armed Intelligentsia,” at least treat those women who are there as enthusiasts rather than eye candy as people, not meat.
I don’t think he’d be considered “printing” in that photo if he wasn’t at a gun convention.
Whats a matter o, civil rights hit a minor snag, lol? Equality isn’t near good enough, we can do better. Start with the lives of your family before you take others, Randy
“Last thing we need is justification for the DHS to use their tanks.”
Maybe that is exactly what needs to happen so that the lies stop my friend. We can sit here and complain and try and do the right thing and vote for the right people and stay legal and peaceful, but for how long? The gun grabbers are regrouping and getting ready for the next round of attacks on our rights. You can fend off an attacking dog for so long, but eventually you will get bit unless you “neutralize” the attack. I think that they need to see that we are standing together on this issue and we will not just lay down and give into the continuous attacks on our freedoms.
I also disagree that a peaceful demonstration can not happen with armed participants. Remember the civil rights movement? This happened all the time.
I can tell you this much. I am not white, a fascist, or a coward for that matter. Don’t buy into the lie that only white extremist care about their 2A rights. I am a hispanic, a veteran, and a patriot and I think that Virginia may be a great place to celebrate Independence Day this year.
And who didn’t see this coming?
Ah yes, soccer: “The Beautiful Sport”. (As seen in numerous yearly riots in and around soccer games throughout Europe and south America.)
Anyone ever seen a riot at an organized shooting match? Or even a fight between the competitors? Or even a very loud argument?
Of course, that doesn’t count the “assault weapons” that leap off the shooting benches and gun racks and kill tens of thousands of shooting competitors every year. /sarc off/
Q: How many grabbers does it take to change a lightbulb?
A: Well, since their eyes are closed and they’re in the dark…
I’m in good shape. Even so at 5’9 I stand little chance against a 6’3 man in a “fair” fight.
Remember, it isn’t the “simple punch” that you are fighting against but the repeated punches, kicks and beatings that these punks dish out.
Ask the same question about how many people die or are seriously injured from a beating/blunt force, and you will find the defense justified.
Then all you need to do is prove you reasonably believed you would be subject to a beating: ie- the person wouldn’t stop after a couple punches. Again, that’s not hard to make reasonable.
My brother has one in very nice condition. It’s a wonderful piece of workmanship, and the round is a mean one.