> go figure the plot you have to live after an event of this type
I am not saying these aren't issues, but that the risk is often overstated.
Also, I think there are plenty of other things that are greater risks than the likelihood of gun violence toward oneself or others that impact lifetime well-being for individuals on a socioeconomic scale, especially in schools.
So what? More likely than not that’s the type of gun the person we’re discussing used.
> and kind of what would be expected?
Again, what’s your point? Because it’s expected we shouldn’t discuss it or do anything about it? Let’s bring back lead paint while we’re at it; I mean, it’s expected that it causes brain damage.
> "We need to stop this bad thing that rarely happens! Only when it happens even less than hardly ever will we all be safe!"
It happens in the US significantly more than in other countries. The US is literally at the top of the list, to the surprise of no one. So yes, making it happen fewer times, perhaps by learning from other nations which have demonstrated it’s possible, is a worthwhile goal.
The article states specifically that people who commit suicide with a gun are more likely to do so if they own a handgun. IMO, that follows from the mechanics of the scenario.
It is easier to point a handgun at yourself and pull the trigger than it is to do so with a long gun. So, IMO, it is common sense that it is more likely that someone committing suicide by firearm chooses to do so with a handgun over a long gun, and they are more likely to do that if they own a handgun already.
However, it isn't like a random person who owns a gun is significantly more likely to complete a suicide attempt just because they own a gun. Yet, a person who is already at risk of suicide might have an increased risk if they own guns.
That being said, as a random individual, the risk of completed suicide over a lifetime is incredibly low, and that risk is even lower for suicide by any firearm.
> Let’s bring back lead paint while we’re at it; I mean, it’s expected that it causes brain damage.
I don't see this as being analogous to what I am saying. Maybe I am missing something.
> Women who owned handguns were more than 35 times more likely than women who didn't to kill themselves with a gun.
That is specific to handguns and kind of what would be expected?
Also, being more likely than not likely at all is pretty much comparing degrees of impossibility.
Seems like this pops up in arguments often.
Something like:
"We need to stop this bad thing that rarely happens! Only when it happens even less than hardly ever will we all be safe!"