>>137
I also need to add, that many of these murders are not "domestic disputes" gone bad, but cold-blooded shot/stabbed/strangled in their sleep.
And although I agree that guns deter smalltime criminals, it would likely embolden the determined criminal to plan ahead, arm himself with better weapons and/or accomplices, and steel myself to kill someone if the victim may not cooperate.
Another issue, how many thefts are committed to get guns? Because my Stepfather had a case full of fucking guns, and some jackasses broke in and stole them. I think the possession of a gun only deters crime on that person if they intend to victimize has the "desired goods" on them. I laugh everytime I hear a "Stop a burglar" excuse for loaded, unsafed guns at home, becaus e unless you're a paranoid shut-in who can feel disturbances in the force, that gun is worthless to protect you or your property when you are asleep or not home. Plus once you do get burglarized, that gun is an easy score to fence.
I guess my point is, the possession of a firearm will never deter all types of crimes that can be committed on you, and that reducing poverty as an excuse for criminal activity is a better solution than trying to guess when a crime is going to occur and fend it off.