Gun Control: Distinguishing Between Fact and Opinion

Gun Control, Edited Carol O'Sullivan The "Opposing Viewpoints" series are designed to educate the reader to distinguish between fact and opinion. Facts are something that can be proved true, an opinion is usually based on how a person evaluates a fact. The analysis of sample viewpoints illustrates this point. Four chapters cover the topics concisely for youths. Viewpoint 1 claims gun control laws are necessary, but shows typical dishonesty in his arguments. The true measure is the rate of violent deaths for each country, and that is not given here. Cities with gun control laws have higher crime rates than rural areas that have a lot of guns. Viewpoint 2 explains the problems caused by gun control laws. These laws were not passed to save lives, but part of a plot to oppress people. Most murders are committed by ordinary people, ever since Cain slew Abel with his unregistered weapon. Viewpoint 3 quotes the Second Amendment "the right of the people to keep and bear arms shall not be infringed". This was unquestioned until the late 19th century when powerful corporations attacked the "well-regulated militia" and other supports of democracy in America. Viewpoint 4 is deliberately wrong. One of the first laws of the United States required all males to own a gun or pay a fine (unless excused). The people did not want a large standing army to safeguard against a military coup or other tyranny. Why didn't the author of this opinion give his name? Viewpoint 5 claims that keeping a gun in the house makes a robbery less likely. This is proven by the number of home robberies in countries where guns are banned for the common people. The argument of guns being a danger to children is false. More die from drowning but they don't want "bathtub control"! Viewpoint 6 argues against keeping a gun in your home by using incomplete facts. The rate of violent death in the U.S. is lower than in countries that prohibit gun ownership. Their rates of suicide are much higher for a lower murder rate. You should attribute this to cultural, economic, and political factors, but few do. Viewpoint 7 tells the personal experiences of one person and why he keeps a handgun for self-defense. Laws don't stop criminals. Viewpoint 8 takes the view that a shotgun is a better weapon for self-defense. It is more powerful than a pistol, but unwieldy in the confined space of a home. The truth is that a pistol is the best weapon for most people, and that is why it is carried by so many. [Can you sense his emotions in this viewpoint, and how it affects his thinking?] The last page correctly points out that editorial cartoons present an opinion, not facts, in an attempt to influence your opinion. Are they always flawed because of this?