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The Chicago argument (against gun control)

Are you in favor of stricter gun control laws? Have you ever engaged in a debate on the subject with a far-right gun enthusiast? At some point in the conversation, have they brought up Chicago as evidence that gun control laws don't work? If so, you're not alone!

Is Chicago known to have fairly strict gun laws? Yes. Is it known to have a high homicide rate? Yes again. However, there's more to the story than that. The fact is that gun-related crimes have been high in Chicago since before the stricter gun laws were enacted and such crimes have actually decreased since they were put into effect. Even with the stricter gun control laws, there are approximately six times as many guns that are owned in Chicago than in New York City. Also, while the gun laws may be stricter in Chicago than most other areas in this country, such laws are much more lax in other portions of the state and adjacent states. So, just because there is a high homicide rate in Chicago and there are fairly strict gun laws there, doesn't mean that gun control laws aren't effective. The laws have helped to decrease gun crime some over time and it's impossible to accurately speculate on how much impact these gun control laws would have on crime if they were spread about on a national level. So, if anyone tries to bring up the Chicago argument, feel free to relay the before-mentioned information, and anything else you may find from the following links (and others). Best of luck!

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gun_control

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/02/01/chicago-gun-violence-take_n_2600725.html

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