Sometimes it seems that a lot of the pro-gun arguments in this nation are a combination of what folks have seen in TV/movies and gun-manufacturer-backed propaganda.
For example, there's this idea that, "Well, if I had a gun and was there, I'd keep that Bad Thing from happening." When in reality most people faced with a Bad Thing either freeze, or respond inappropriately, and even regularly trained and range-certified police officers have a piss-poor chance of hitting their intended targets with their pistols, but others in the vicinity of their shots aren't always so lucky.
"Guns don't kill people." But people who are out to kill other people find guns a lot more effective way of doing so.
10 Pro-Gun Myths, Shot Down
Fact-checking some of the gun lobby’s favorite arguments shows they’re full of holes.
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I have been mugged five times in my life. In each case, I was taken by surprise at knife- or gunpoint. If I had been carrying a gun, I would have had no chance to use it, and it would certainly have been taking by the muggers who cleaned out my pockets.
This is anecdotal evidence, to be sure, but it sure makes me skeptical of claims that carrying guns will reduce crime!
As was said, there has never been a drive-by knifing in America.
http://www.thetruthaboutguns.com/2014/05/foghorn/debunking-mother-jones-10-pro-gun-myths-shot/
Hmm. Now that's interesting. For the most part, it seems well-reasoned and sensible. Odd that the Mother Jones article didn't trigger my skepticism. Confirmation bias? Ugh. I hate being flawed.
Thanks, +Johnny Chandler!