Letter to the Editor: A more valid examination of Texas gun statistics

August 11, 2004
Cleveland Plain Dealer

Karen Tucker states (Letters, Aug. 3), "Texas permit holders were arrested for weapons-related offenses at a rate 66 percent higher than that of the general population of the state." Since by definition, 100 percent of permit holders have weapons and only a small percentage of the general population have weapons, this statistic proves what, exactly?

When one looks at violent crimes, statistics show the permit-holder population to be more law-abiding than the general population. For instance, in 2001, Texas permit holders were convicted of violent crimes at a rate of 81.16 per 100,000, compared to a rate of 252.30 for the general population (http://www.tsra.com/DPS_convictions.htm).

Looking at arrests for violent crimes between 1996-2000, a study (found at http://www.tsra.com/arrests.htm) states, "The average male Texan who is 21 years or older is 7.7 times more likely to be arrested for the violent crimes of murder, rape, robbery, and assault than the average male CHL holder."

Also, "The average female Texan who is 21 years or older is 7.5 times more likely to be arrested for the violent crimes of murder and assault than the average female CHL holder."

Looking at violent crimes in general paints a truer picture of the concealed-weapon holder than a statistic dealing only with "weapons-related offenses."

Richard Troha
North Olmsted

Commentary:
Tucker probably also finds it striking that more people with drivers' licenses are involved in car crashes than people who don't drive. Excellent response, Mr. Troha!