Where We Live: The U.S. Gun Fight
The long and complex history of a divisive issue.
There was a time when both the National Rifle Association and the Ku Klux Klan were advocates for gun control.
The 2nd Amendment debate has always been contentious. One recent example was the scene outside the United States Supreme Court building in March of 2008 where a gun rights case was being heard.
Advocates on both sides carried their signs and chanted slogans at each other, even in freezing cold weather.
Today, a look at the long and complicated history of the 2nd Amendment.
In his new book, Gun Fight: The Battle Over the Right to Bear Arms in America, Adam Winkler says “the right to bear arms and gun control are not mutually exclusive.”
We’ll talk with Winkler about the history and evolution of gun rights.
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specific firearms
our societal problems are not "saturday night specials" or ak-47s, it is the access to weapons by asocial criminals. they are not a large segment of our population. they do get a large percentage of the news coverage, which is generally biased. we must also remember that preventing access to weapons by criminals will not stop crime. criminals do not care how many laws there are, they will still commit crimes by any means possible. on another note, when we do have laws banning particular firearms, there is usually an exemption for police officers. this is wrong. if the population does not need these firearms, neither do police officers. if you look at the website, "injusticeeverywhere.com" you will see cases of police officers committing crimes everyday.
Firearms Safety & Training
As a former firearms instructor for the safety course that is required to obtain a carry permit in Connecticut, I believe Mr Winkler is misguided in his observation that additional training is not desirable for gun owners in the United States. In particular, for those who own a handgun for personal and family protection, there is no such thing as knowing too much, being too skilled, or too safe.
Whether you love guns or hate them, anyone interested in the subject should read the slim paperback written by two medical doctors: Keeping Your Family Safe - The Responsibilities of Firearm Ownership. It is excellent. Timothy Wheeler, MD and E. John Whipfler, MD - devote Chapter 7 to Firearms Training and offer schools taught by experts. In Chapter 11, Learning Safety for Life, there is a list of books for further reading. Every title suggested by the two doctors is essential for responsible gun owners, and should be required reading for legislators.
What is most disturbing is not the sensationalized coverage in the media of the tragic misuse of guns, it is the pretense of legislators who substitute gun control for coming to grips with the real issue: crime control and the social ills which encourage crime.
Owning a gun is not for everyone. If individuals do not own a firearm, that is their choice. But, you don't know what you don't know until someone who really does can show you.
First read the book. Then if you own a gun, get some training - real training by an expert.
Listener email from Joan
Today's program with Professor Adam Winkler was terrific at least before his opposition arrived with some of his inappropriate language.
Two issues I wish they had discussed were HR 822 and the gun show loophole. Please have them back to discuss this.
By the way , are you aware of the Connecticut Against Gun Violence luncheon that will be held this Friday, the 23rd at the Woodway Country Club in Stamford? The speakers will be Maria Cuomo Cole and Colin Goddard.
Facebook comment from Fred
Unfortunately, bulges will be reported with or without carry permits thanks to mass shootings in the media. So the modus operandi is take everyone in custody and let the police sort it out....."
Listener email from Jo Ann
My question was how can private businesses, schools, etc. have the right to prohibit you from having a legal gun in your vehicle?
If it is legal to drive around with a properly secured gun how can they tell you it is prohibited? Many of these campuses are large and have public streets and private businesses in them.
Listener email from Sue
My husband and I are registered Democrats -- he more "lefty", I more moderate with streaks of libertarian.
He owns a couple of guns and is licensed to carry a pistol. AND we are pro-gun control. We both agree Saturday Night Specials and AK47s have no place in a happy society. But we both also agree that an individual has a right to responsibly own a fire arm.
Listening to the callers today, there seem to be a LOT of us, right "in the middle" of this debate. Bravo to Mr. Winkler and his book, as it is one more stretch to gain the middle ground of the alarming polarity that grips this country -- on so many issues.
Listener email from Valentine
I thought I'd report on an instance of the extremism that Mr. Winkler mentions -- a few days ago I had a robo-call from the NRA that said that Obama and the UN were uniting to take away every pistol, every rifle and several more types of firearm I can't remember from every American.
Listener email from Michael
I’m not a gun owner and while I’m not for banning people from owning guns, certain guns I think warrant ban from public owner ship. Certainly no military grade guns or even guns that approach the most powerful guns of law enforcement agencies.
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