More often than not, the media tells us that youth gun related deaths are a big city problem. The truth is, young people in rural areas are just as likely to die by the gun as their urban counterparts. A recent study conducted by Dr. Michael Nance, director of the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia’s trauma program, shows that, while gun deaths among young people age 19 and under living in large cities are more likely to be homicides, firearm deaths among youth in the same age group living in rural areas are more likely to be suicidal or accidental.
The study looked at gun deaths among individuals 19 and younger from 1999 through 2006. In all, there were about 15,000 homicides, 7,000 suicides and 1,400 accidental shootings. The death rates in urban and rural areas were about the same rate: around four deaths per every 100,000 children. To some, the numbers may not seem too alarming. But when we think of the young lives that were lost unnecessarily, we all have a duty to do something to address this issue.
According to the Centers for Disease Control, the U.S. has more gun related deaths than any other industrialized nation. While government imposed gun bans has worked to somewhat reduce firearm deaths, they haven’t eliminated them completely. The solution to making sure fewer people die by gunfire is unclear; depending on whom you ask the answer range from outright bans to classes on how to use guns properly.
Reducing gun deaths should be bigger priority for this country. Making progress on the issue is difficult as gun rights is a hotly debated issue, one led by the National Rifle Association. While ensuring the 2nd amendment rights of citizens are not infringed upon is important, so too is the need to protect our citizens. The NRA and other gun proponents must balance their fight for 2nd amendment rights with the need to keep our urban and rural streets safe.
No matter where you stand on control issues and regardless of the situation surrounding a gun death – murder, suicide – Americans, and especially our young people, continuously fall victim to firearms. As a society, we need to realize that this is a universal problem and we should work together to solve it.
I couldn’t agree more, and I strongly believe that drugs and alcohol have such a huge part in this. Young people today are so easily influenced by their peers. I think there should be more education for both young people and their parents on the dangers of drugs and alcohol.
Honorable, Retired Military Veteran…We often comments on the issues of young violence; associate men as the root cause and particularly black men. Health care reform should have come after judicial reform. So much promotion for women passed actions in carrying for family and children has clouded judgment of protecting them. Statistic shows an increase in youth violence which can be directly related to the judicial handling of child custody role. The best interest of the child is never at the focus; only greed! Our most valuable resource (Children) will be further lost if the conduct of noted Judges and attorneys continues. Additionally, the death of children by women continues to climb along with child violence. Wakeup, far too many father successfully raised their children in the pass and are still raising their children today. I am a proud black father of a beautiful 4-years daughter. My daughter has been on the receiving end of attacks both mentally and physically by her mother. As an active duty member, she failed to support her daughter for more than eight months while receiving funds from the USAF. She stole government property during her reassignment from Kuwait to England. Additionally, she abandon the child; drafting a letter granting parental rights to her mother and sister. There were a physical attack on me in Columbus, Ohio by the mother’s family member and in Augusta, Georgia (attempted kidnapping) by my spouse and her family. Judge Roper political differences with my mother Margaret Armstrong (Former City Council Women) is the driving factor behind this misconduct. To make a long story short; I am fighting criminal corruption and misconduct from local Judge David Roper, Danny Craig (former District Attorney) and attorney’s Jack Long Jr., Dacara Brown and David Klein. Attorney Klein forged a US Postal document with the support of the courts. It was more than 16 months since was able to see my daughter; only after filing charges in court. When she arrived; my daughter was injured and Family Services was called out which photographed and documented the incident.
I swore to defend this country from all enemies foreign and domestic. I am asking for your support in my case (2007RCD846 initial) and others; put a stop to the slavery of children.
Guns, aids… however you put it is spells genecide for our people.
Ie agree with the court decision. However, whare’s the rehabilitation in prisons. There must be a drastic improvement in REHABILATION in prisons, because with so many repeat offenders the REHAB can’t be that good!
Wow i didnt know that
Such a scary thought!
NO matter what people say about guns.. YOU CAN”T TAKE A KNIFE TO A GUN FIGHT!!
It’s our Constitutional Right to Bear Arms!
God Bless the Supreme Court~!~~~!!
Guns aren’t Bad, it’s just the People who use them~!~
I just have to say that your show is the best show on TV. You are funny, smart, human and very entertaining. Thank you.