While the nation grieves yet another gun tragedy, both sides of the gun debate have immediately become immersed in an all too familiar debate. The problem with gun policy is similar to many problems facing our nation, and that is we are too polarized. Right away, Fox News and MSNBC begin to choose sides and rally their base. What is lacking is a sound policy. Do we have one as a nation? The answer may surprise you. We have a great example of gun policy right here in New York State. In particular, NYC has worked extremely hard to promote social policy that has saved lives. The facts are astounding. 20 years ago, 2250 or more families were victims of violence. Today, the deaths have been reduced to 400.
New York State and New York City has strengthened gun laws. In addition to that, programs were created to extract guns from high risk communities. In 2006, a gun suppression task force targeted hot zones. More importantly, violators were given harsh punishments. The law was enforced no matter who you were including the famous arrest of Plaxico Burress. NYC made sure that carrying a gun without a proper permit would be punished with a harsh sentence. The continued progress will rely on other states enacting similar policy. The guns that are illegal in NYC today are mostly bought out of state. The trend is also true for the rest of New York.
The road to sound policy has not been an easy one. Governor Cuomo and Mayor Bloomberg are under constant attack to their policies. However, they have worked. For other states to see similar results, they will have to rely less on polls and more on sound social policy.
2 comments:
Bloomberg is no longer the mayor. What is DeBlosio's position?
DeBlasio's position is the same regarding gun policy. Although, he has stripped some of the police's rights which will may lead to more violence. Stop and Frisk was a program credited for reducing guns on the streets. That program is no longer in operation.
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