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Originally Posted by 44 AMP
The real problem is not guns, nor the availability of guns, but that so many people are so willing to shoot other people.
We are a long way from the days when shooting someone for fun and profit got you (ultimately) hung, gassed, shot, or electrocuted, in a timely manner and on a regular basis. I know there are many, many other causes, but I cannot help but think that this might have something to do with the problem we face today.
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We've never really lacked a supply of people willing to shoot or kill each other, often for the stupidest reasons. Technology simply makes it easier at times or more difficult at others.
A regular police force, paid for by taxes, is relatively new.¹ Murder as a "public crime" is relatively new -- as opposed to killing a man who had armed relatives. Killing a tramp used to be quite safe.
Remember that most theories of law enforcement and/or "justice" revolve around the idea of a moderately swift punishment for committing a crime. The effectiveness of our laws lies in the ratio of crimes committed versus criminals properly prosecuted for those crimes². The closer it is to 1:1, the theory says, the less willing someone will be to commit a crime. When authorities stop taking crime reports, especially on crimes against a person (assault, robbery, rape, etc.) as has been reported in several cities, the government has abandoned the principle of deterrence and has embraced and condoned a certain level of violence in society³.
Historically, guns have been easily available in this country (although not always easily affordable). Up to 1934, even full auto guns were legal and until 1968 they were as available as any other product in commerce, even by U.S. Mail or parcel post.
Yet, it wasn't until the 20th Century that homicide rates began to rise quickly. In the 15 years between 1870 - 1885, there were 45 homicides in the cities of Abilene, Ellsworth, Wichita, Dodge City, and Caldwell, Kansas
combined⁴. This translates to one (1) per 100,000 residents. A far cry from D.C.'s rate of 31 or Baltimore's rate of 45. In other words, you would be safer walking the streets of the old west's Dodge City, unarmed, than walking in Baltimore or D.C.
Guns aren't the problem and never have been.
¹
London Metropolitan Police created in 1829 by Sir Robert Peel
²
Properly prosecuted means prosecuting the correct person for the crime(s) committed and sentenced accordingly.
³
One can speculate endlessly on reasons. From a complete lack of actionable information or evidence to lack of manpower to some dark conspiracy. No matter, with no official report there is zero chance of prosecuting anyone for the crime.
⁴
Frontier Violence: Another Look, W. Eugene Hollon, 1976, Galaxy Books