Editorial: ''Sad statistic - Gun control doesn't work in California''

The Findlay Courier recently printed an excellent editorial calling for passage of HB12, and exploring the failure of some of the nation's toughest gun control laws to reduce violent crime or murder in California.

This April 30 editorial, and the facts it presents, should be given new attention in light of the claims being made by anti-self-defense extremists as they seek to exploit the Case Western Reserve University tragedy.

"It was reported this past weekend that California's crime and murder rates jumped nearly 11 percent in 2002.

Gang violence and the poor economy are being blamed, and both are almost certainly factors in the increase.

The statistic is rather sad, because it was only in 1999 that California reported its largest ever one-year drop in major crimes -- 14.9 percent.

That was the same year Gov. Gray Davis signed some of the toughest gun-control laws in the country. One of the laws outlawed the sale, manufacture or import of the cheap handguns commonly called "Saturday night specials." Another law limited handgun purchases to one per person per month and required safety locks on all weapons sold. Strict safety standards and testing for handguns were required. Additional regulations also were put on gun shows, where it's believed that criminals often purchase their weapons.

An Oct. 23, 1999 story in the Washington Post, reported that "In polls, California voters are showing significant new confidence in the effectiveness of tougher gun regulations. Statewide, nearly two-thirds of them say they support stronger laws and believe they will reduce violence."

What would those same people say now? Very likely they'd favor passing yet more laws. Because people who believe gun control works have yet to face reality. (emphasis added)

Wishful thinking won't create a safe society. But tough laws that put criminals in prison and allow people to defend themselves will certainly help."

Click here for the entire Findlay Courier editorial.