THE "Prohibition" in the US, during which the sale of alcohol was banned, was a failure. It did reduce alcohol consumption for a time, but mostly it succeeded in making criminals rich and costing the government tax revenue. But I'm not referring to just THE Prohibition. I'm talking about most things that are banned or illegal:
- Illegal drugs? Failure. There are so many heroin overdoses in the DC area that most local police departments stock the antidote in patrol cars. And now China is sending us "synthetic drugs". It's as bad as PCP and has been blamed for the recent spike in homicides. Oh, and PCP is back.
- Gun control? Where bans exist, failure. Jurisdictions with the most strict gun laws routinely have the worst gun violence (Chicago). We actually under-report the problem by counting only murders instead of all the shootings.
- Commercial sex? Where bans exist, failure.
- Once upon a time, abortion would have been on the list. Its ban was a back-alley nightmare.
Maybe the US is a country of criminals. My daughter tells me that when the US was still under British rule, our forefathers routinely headed west without permission. At the same time our Canadian brothers patiently waited for the Crown to authorize who, when and where--great examples of loyal, law-abiding citizens.
Because of our history and "spirit", I don't think banning handguns in the US would be any more successful than the bans mentioned above. Criminals would still have them (and profit greatly by selling them) and there would be more criminals than ever because the US version of law-abiding citizens are going to hide as many as they surrender.
Our gun problem won't be solved until we solve our people problem. Maybe it's not too late to become the "Nation of laws" we often claim to be. Maybe we could start with little things, like obeying existing laws. Don't drive 30 MPH over the speed limit in school zones (or call the policeman names for giving you the ticket you earned). Try stopping at a stop sign once in a while. The government needs to pitch in too. Stop looking the other way when government officials break the law. Let's take a few baby steps to show our laws matter and apply to everyone.
People Problem is right and there's no easy fix to that one, unfortunately. Do the things you can to make a difference and set an example. Oh yes, and education of course
ReplyDeleteYes, education is so important. Some kids are born into what are almost no-win situations. In DC, 50% of the kids who enter 9th grade drop out before their senior year....and they're illiterate despite the 9 years of public education. I don't know the answer, but so far more funding has not helped.
Deleteit's always people. everywhere. but the US might have a particular problem with it's 'self-made man I do what I want and as long as it leads to success it's ok' mentality. good luck changing that.
ReplyDeleteEspecially that last part. My dad was pretty close to a self-made man, but he was almost as law-abiding as I am. :D
DeleteI agree that making laws isn't the solution. It's the people behind the guns (and not all of them, of course). I think recent shootings have highlighted the need for better treatment of those with mental disorders.
ReplyDeleteYou're right, the current system leaves too many people without help...making them a danger to themselves and the people around them. The recent rise in stabbings shows that a dangerous person doesn't need a gun to cause heartache.
DeleteOh! This is a good idea. I do believe that we have a people problem. I think many Americans tend to be rude and they tend to have a barrier with others. That stuff has to change.
ReplyDeleteBased on stories from my parents and grandparents, people here were not always like that. We used to help each other. Now we're just a collection of groups with grievances who think the law is for other people.
Deletehejjjjjj, How are you doing Rick, it feels a decade now heheh. Just visited my blog today. Good day!
ReplyDeleteWow! It has been a long time!!! I hope you and the family are well.
Deletehejjjjjj, How are you doing Rick, it feels a decade now heheh. Just visited my blog today. Good day!
ReplyDelete