(the number of firearm accidents is comparatively small; slightly above 500 deaths.)
for comparison:
Motor vehicle traffic deaths: Number of deaths: 33,783
Note, my position on gun control also isn't entirely decided. But I do think that these statistics support my view that the right to die on your own terms is, in a very real way, a major part of why people want to own a gun, and this is not a part of the public debate, while the number of suicides is included in 'gun deaths' in the public debate. I think that is an inconsistency in how most people look at and talk about the issue.
You are, at least statistically speaking, incorrect. The majority of gunshot deaths are self-inflicted and judged to be intentional.
sources:
http://www.cdc.gov/nchs/fastats/suicide.htm http://www.cdc.gov/nchs/fastats/homicide.htm
Firearm homicides:Number of deaths: 11,068
Firearm suicides:Number of deaths: 19,990
(the number of firearm accidents is comparatively small; slightly above 500 deaths.)
for comparison:
Motor vehicle traffic deaths: Number of deaths: 33,783
Note, my position on gun control also isn't entirely decided. But I do think that these statistics support my view that the right to die on your own terms is, in a very real way, a major part of why people want to own a gun, and this is not a part of the public debate, while the number of suicides is included in 'gun deaths' in the public debate. I think that is an inconsistency in how most people look at and talk about the issue.