It's nice to see that wikipedia is back on the list of approved statistical sources. Let's take a look at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_countries_by_firearm-related_death_rate for a little context.
Based on overall rate per 100K of gun-related deaths, the United States ranks 12th highest in the world.
Places with an even higher death rate from guns: El Salvador, Jamaica, Honduras, Guatemala, Swaziland, Colombia, Brazil, Panama, Mexico, Philippines, South Africa.
Places with a lower death rate from guns: Everywhere else, naturally. Some notables: Somalia, Paraguay, Nicaragua, Zimbabwe, Uzbekistan...and about 150 more.
If I read the chart of rates for the 20th century correctly, it looks like the current rate is about half its peak last century (in the time of Al Capone). We'd rank somewhere between Brazil and Colombia if the rate were still that high. But more informatively, 4.7/100k is about the 20th century average. It's been lower, and it's been higher. The last couple of decades of the century were pretty bloody; by comparison, we're returning to the historical norm.
Not a lot to be proud of there.
Flame » in reply to Some perspective:
Some context:
The whole thread (36 posts)
- It is such a relief to know that guns didn't kill these kids.
- Two very different statements. But they have the same effect.
- If we can accept the coming healthcare mandate then seeing your neighbors house searched should be easy. n/t
- Now there you go: reasonable suggestions.
- After reviewing all our comments below, methinks we are all missing the obvious.
- Outrage is very satisfying.
- Well, first, it's dereliction to not express outrage even if a solution can't be seen (yet).
- Sympathy vs. outrage.
- As you point out they are not mutually exclusive. However, outrage can be constructive.
- When you get your magic wand working, you will have to let me know.
- We both have the same goal.
- Please disregard that hiccup. If it's in our genes...
- If it's in our genes, and we
- We both have the same goal.
- When you get your magic wand working, you will have to let me know.
- Some perspective:
- As you point out they are not mutually exclusive. However, outrage can be constructive.
- Sympathy vs. outrage.
- Well, first, it's dereliction to not express outrage even if a solution can't be seen (yet).
- Stand on Zanzibar-- John Brunner, (1968)
- Second Amendment Pornography.
- Re: It is such a relief to know that guns didn't kill these kids.