How is the ‘good guys with guns’ myth working out in Central and South America?
Despite the ubiquitous presence of “good guys” with guns, countries like Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador, Colombia and Venezuela have some of the highest homicide rates in the world.
“A society that is relying on guys with guns to stop violence is a sign of a society where institutions have broken down,” said Rebecca Peters, former director of the International Action Network on Small Arms. “It’s shocking to hear anyone in the United States considering a solution that would make it seem more like Colombia.”
Furthermore:
Scientific studies have consistently found that places with more guns have more violent deaths, both homicides and suicides. Women and children are more likely to die if there’s a gun in the house. The more guns in an area, the higher the local suicide rates. “Generally, if you live in a civilized society, more guns mean more death,” said David Hemenway, director of the Harvard Injury Control Research Center. “There is no evidence that having more guns reduces crime. None at all.”
On the other side of the argument are random anecdotal stories proffered by known liars like Ann Coulter. There are also people who win the lottery and walk away from serious car accidents, but that doesn’t mean we should ban seat-belts and invest our life savings in scratch-off lotto tickets. It’s the same hocus-pocus anecdotal nonsense Drudge and Hannity wheel out every time it snows. SEE?! There can’t possibly be global warming!! It’s snowing!! In the Northeast!! In February!!!
The fact remains: more guns equals more gun deaths, regardless of armed good guys.