i don't think the uproar has just arrived. i'm sure the gun debate has been going for quite some time. considering the amendment to stop funding research was introduced in 1996, it's been going since at least then, and no doubt way before that. it's probably that the whole random massacre thing seems to be getting more frequent, that is bringing the gun debate more to fore at present
Meaning you believe it is a new thing. But guns aren't new.
So, do you have an idea of what's changed?
i didn't say cops should be armed because of the way they "see" things. it's just an obvious necessity in a country where civilians are so heavily armed.
Because they shouldn't have to face it unarmed. Is that fair way to describe your opinion?
you live in a democracy so it should be how society as a whole "see" things. if society wants cops armed then they should be. if society wants stricter gun control, then there should be
Interesting. I didn't know that.
Does it extend to everything, or...?
because gun owners and those in high gun areas are at a heightened risk of violent death, why should it naturally follow that offenses by "others" would be lower?
all it shows is that the more/closer you're around guns the more chance you have of violent death, statistically.
Unless you can offer a reason how criminals may happen upon only those without arms in those locations (Can you?), then it's the only logical conclusion to be drawn.
with the bolded you've highlighted exactly why you need research. there's a common misconception that owning a gun protects you from criminals. plenty of people are in the dark blindly believing that. i suppose it's intuitive to think "if i own/walk around with a lethal weapon i'm obviously safer".
It's not a misconception to anyone who has experienced it. To those who have: What would you say, and would you look them in the eye while saying it? (honest question)
when in reality statistics show as a gun owner you and you're family are more likely to meet a violent end than non gun owners.
when you have a public health issue that's as hotly contended and debated as the "gun issue" you would expect that some public money would be put into researching it.
The statistics don't say that, no matter what a presentation surrounding them may say. Statistics can't possibly say that, since it would require seeing into the future to know what crime may or may not have happened if it was allowed to carry out -- and in every such incident it may apply. If anything, it'd be downright dangerous and irresponsible for anyone to present them conclusively, especially while claiming concern for life.