Good Thoughts for the Reasonable

[Cliff Fallon <fallon@eecs.wsu.edu>]

Paul Harvey on gun control

Are you considering backing gun control laws?  Do you think that because
you may not own a gun, the rights guaranteed by the Second Amendment
don't matter?

CONSIDER THESE STATISTICS!!!!!!!!...................

In 1929 the Soviet Union established gun control.  From 1929 to 1953,
approximately 20 million dissidents, unable to defend themselves, were
rounded up and exterminated.

In 1911, Turkey established gun control.  From 1915-1917, 1.5 million
Armenians, unable to defend themselves, were rounded up and exterminated.
Germany established gun control in 1938 and from 1939 to 1945, 13 million
Jews, gypsies, homosexuals, the mentally ill, and others, who were unable
to defend themselves, were rounded up and exterminated.

China established gun control in 1935.  From 1948 to 1952, 20 million
political dissidents, unable to defend themselves, were rounded up and
exterminated.

Guatemala established gun control in 1964.  From 1964 to 1981, 100,000
MayanIndians, unable to defend themselves, were rounded up and
exterminated.

Uganda established gun control in 1970.  From 1971 to 1979, 300,000
Christians, unable to defend themselves, were rounded up and exterminated.

Cambodia established gun control in 1956.  From 1975 to 1977, one million
"educated" people, unable to defend themselves, were rounded up and
exterminated.

That places total victims who lost their lives because of gun control at
approximately 56 million in the last century.  Since we should learn from
the mistakes of history,  the next time someone talks in favor of gun
control, find out which group of citizens they wish to have exterminated.

It has now been 12 months since gun owners in Australia were forced to
surrender 640,381 personal firearms to be destroyed, a program costing the
government more than $500 million dollars.  The results Australia-wide;
Homicides are up 3.2%, Assaults are up 8 %, and Armed robberies are up
44%.

In that country's state of Victoria, homicides with firearms are up 300%.
Over the previous 25 years, figures show a steady decrease in armed
robberies and Australian politicians are on the spot and at a loss to
explain how no improvement in "safety" has been observed after such
monumental effort and expense was successfully expended in "ridding
society of guns."

It's time to state it plainly; Guns in the hands of honest citizens save
lives and property and, yes, gun-control laws only affect the law-abiding
citizens.  Take action before it's too late, write or call your delegation.

Clifford B. Fallon
Engineering Manager
School of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science
Washington State University