Re: GUNS: Accidental Deaths

Michael S. Lorrey (retroman@together.net)
Tue, 02 Mar 1999 16:38:14 -0500

Harvey Newstrom wrote:

> Did you see the sources for the stats I posted? They were from pro-gun
> sources and showed >200 children aged 14 and below being accidentally
> shot to death every year in the U.S. This figure is much lower than
> other accidents from pools, cribs, skateboards, shaking, and the like.
>
> I mentioned your statement that some stats count under age 25 as
> "children", and a friend reminded me that under age 21 is defined as a
> "minor" for alcoholic purposes. It blew my mind that someone would
> defend calling a 20-year-old a "minor"!

Yet they are putting 10 year olds on trial as adults for capital murder, the 'age of consent' varies from state to state between 16 and 20, 16 year olds are the most likely age to die driving a car (many times more likely than via guns, even with airbags and seatbelts). The 200 plus figure I do doubt is the 'accident' rate for kids. I would beleive its the death rate, including violent crimes. Keep in mind that less than a few thousand people a year are killed by firearms here in the US annually, which includes military, police, and suicides. Suicides are the other 'big lie' that anti-gunners use to inflate their numbers. I would guess that the large number of teen 'accident' deaths might actually be suicides.

Mike Lorrey