Guns Or No Guns, Awareness Is Key

Are you aware of the U.S. gun statistics?

I've thought about the "What ifs"...What if my family needed protection? What if someone was trying to attack me or a family member?, etc.

Still considering the options for myself and my family, I've decided to share some of the statistics regarding the percentage of those who own guns and use them to protect their families as compared to the percentage of injuries, suicides and accidental deaths.

Statistics, Facts and Quotes

http://www.ichv.org/Statistics.htm

..."FACT: Contrary to popular belief, young children do possess the physical strength to fire a gun: 25% of 3 to 4 year olds, 70% of 5 to 6 year olds, and 90% of 7 to 8 year olds can fire most handguns."

..."FACT: In 2002, a total of 828 young Americans ages 10-19 committed suicide with firearms, a decrease of 11% from the 2001 total of 928 youth gun suicides. Unlike suicide attempts using other methods, suicide attempts with guns are nearly always fatal, meaning a temporarily depressed teenager will never get a second chance at life. Nearly two-thirds of all completed teenage suicides involve a firearm."

..."FACT: The firearms used in 72% of unintentional firearm deaths and injuries, and in firearm suicide attempts and completions, for people ages 0-19 were stored in the residence of the victim, their relative, or their friend."

..."FACT: 59% of students in grades six through twelve know where to get a gun if they want one, and two thirds of these students say they can acquire a firearm within 24 hours"

..."FACT: While handguns account for only one-third of all firearms owned in the United States, they account for more than two-thirds of all firearm-related deaths each year. A gun in the home is 4 times more likely to be involved in an unintentional shooting, 7 times more likely to be used to commit a criminal assault or homicide, and 11 times more likely to be used to attempt or commit suicide than to be used in self-defense."

There are many differing view points/opinions on gun issues. I have not made up my mind regarding which opinion is correct. I find myself split between protection and the dangers involved in gun ownership.

Coalition for Gun Control (Canada comparing statistics to show that owning guns does not solve crime) http://www.guncontrol.ca/Content/TheCaseForGunControl.html Arming For Self Protection Does not Work "The easiest response to suggestions that Canadian civilians need guns to protect themselves is to look south to the US to see where arming for self protection leads. While rates of violence in the US are comparable to countries such as Canada, Australia and Great Britain, rates of lethal violence are much higher. For example, murders without guns in the US are about 40% higher (1.4 times the rate) than in Canada while murders WITH handguns are 1500% higher (15 times the rate)."

Statistics, Gun Control Issues, and Safety http://library.med.utah.edu/WebPath/TUTORIAL/GUNS/GUNSTAT.html

In my research, I've made a great discovery of alternative gun units where protection is still an option without the use and/or dangers of the standard gun.

Alternate Self-Defense/Protection Options http://www.selfdefensegearco.com/IM5-LauncherSelfProtectionGun.htm "The statistics are staggering: 95,000 rapes reported every year in the U.S., 875,000 assaults, and 400,000 other violent crimes. Choose the most advanced personal safety solution on the market - the Avurt ™ IM-5 ™ gun.
The Avurt IM-5 gun is a small, handheld unit that shoots up to five PAVA filled projectiles at attackers up to 40 feet away. It's non-lethal, easy to use, and highly effective at disabling attackers before they get close enough to do you harm."

What are your thoughts on the subject?

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