Another Homicide by a Radical with a Gun

Hi Humans,
So we hear on the news that a crazy radical right wing gun nut killed 2 people and wounded 9 others in a Louisiana movie theater before he shot himself when confronted by the police. It is a too familiar story and one that could have been prevented by sane gun laws. Yet the NRA and the gun bullies continue to preach gun anarchy. In the building in Chicago where we spend part of the year, there is a sign next to the front door that invites gunmen into the common areas of the building as long as they are present for lawful purposes. As though that would be make the building more safe? In the same building dogs are not allowed in the common areas. But dogs would be a better deterrent to crime than guns would ever be. Maybe a criminal might not be phased by a little dog like me (although if not seen my bark might be loud and scary), but some of my big tough pit bull colleagues that I meet in the elevator would frighten away any criminal more than some little human amateur vigilante with a gun. Research has shown a positive relationship between private gun ownership and homicides:

Am J Public Health. 2013 Nov;103(11):2098-105. doi: 10.2105/AJPH.2013.301409. Epub 2013 Sep 12.

The relationship between gun ownership and firearm homicide rates in the United States, 1981-2010.
Siegel M¹, Ross CS, King C 3rd.

One is more likely to be killed by a neighbor with a gun who goes beserk than by an intruder. So if you want to be safe get rid of your gun and get a dog.
Chloe