Shootings prompt predictable debate

The reaction following tragedies like the one at NIU is predictable.

Those who favor gun control argue tougher gun control laws would reduce the number of senseless shooting tragedies. Others call for Illinois to enact a concealed-carry law.

At the present time, 48 of the 50 states have some form of a concealed-carry law. Those who argue for a concealed-carry law claim that such laws reduce crime.

Is it true that violent crime has been reduced in the U.S.? The following are figures from the U.S. Department of Justice and reflect the number of crimes committed with firearms from 1973 through 2006:

Total firearm crimes and rates per 100,00 population:

• 361,141 in 1973; 172.1 per 100,000

• 388,897 in 2006; 129.9 per 100,000.

While the total number of crimes committed with firearms was higher in 2006, the rate per 100,000 population was lower.

How about aggravated assaults with firearms:

• 106,981 in 1973; 51 per 100,000

• 88,527 in 2006; 60 per 100,000

In this category, the number of aggravated crimes committed with a firearm and rate per 100,000 was higher in 2006 than in 1973.

To be fair, it should also be noted that the number and rate of murders decreased from 1973 to 2006.

Perhaps what would help even more than a concealed-carry law in Illinois would be a waiting period of 45 to 60 days before someone could purchase a firearm.

Victor Darst

West Dundee