The popular British TV series, Midsomer Murders, gives insight into how gun violence in the United States might decrease if the United Kingdoms model of firearms control were considered.
In the series, two detectives solve numerous murders rarely caused by gunfire stabbings, strangulation, even immolation. The two inspectors carry no weapons and seldom call armed uniforms, a reference to officers with guns. Whenever a gun is used, it invariably comes from a locked cabinet.
Today, private ownership of firearms is permitted in the UK with strict licensing, primarily for use in hunting and shooting clubs. That doesnt extend to handguns, except in very special cases and with extreme background checks.
The event that triggered a crackdown on firearms came on March 13, 1996, when a man walked into a school gymnasium in Dunblane, Scotland, and mercilessly killed 16 children and their teacher. Similar incidents have occurred in the U.S., with short-lived outcries from politicians, those able to effect change.
In 2016, the murder rate per 100,000 inhabitants was 1.18 in Scotland, 1.22 in England and Wales and 0.94 in Australia and New Zealand. In the United States, it was 5.35.
The rates are much higher in third world countries, as well as in Central America, which in itself gives ample evidence as to why many people living there are eager to risk long, treacherous journeys in hopes of finding refuge in the United States. Homicides in Central America in 2016 ranged from 82.84 per 100,000 in El Salvador to 11.9 in Costa Rica.
Gun sales continue unabated in the U.S., and with little discretion or supervision, regardless of statistics that demonstrate that strict gun laws do have a significant impact on homicides.
Also among U.S. suicides, nearly 45,000 in 2016, the choice by half was by firearms.
DETRACTORS of gun control like to rail about statistics being contrived.
However, it is difficult to imagine that stronger gun control measures wouldnt decidedly decrease the number of deaths attributable to firearms.
Wed like to think if the British can do it, so could we, though it would require a legislative sea change.
Today, those who study such things say more guns are held privately in the U.S. than it has population, about 325 million. Of those firearms, as many as 20 million may be assault rifles.
If Congress more so than the executive branch and state legislatures are unwilling to act, where does that leave us?
Perhaps more tragedies, such as the one in Parkland, Fla., or the senseless killings last weekend at Aurora, Ill, eventually will be enough to change parochial attitudes.
A bullet loosed is a split second away from death. Thats reality.
Also, strict controls on firearms, knowing where they are and who owns them, would reduce homicides, without impinging hunting or any use of firearms in a legal and safe atmosphere.
