Gun Control
Robert A. Levine, TMV Columnist
More Americans have been killed by guns in the past decade than were killed in World War
Two. In 2014, there were 8,124 homicides by guns, an average of 27 people daily. These include
gang violence and mass killings, but most are individual killings, often in family situations. Gun
homicides in the U.S. are about 31 per million people compared to 1 per million in England and
Poland, and 2 per million in Germany and the Netherlands. In Japan, gun homicides occur at a
rate of 1 per 10 million. (There are also over 21,000 suicides by firearms annually in the U.S.)
There is no reason why these weapons of war should be allowed in a civilian society where
individuals and organizations are independent of the government.
Though mass accidental shootings are what generate publicity and public outcries, the
horrendous statistics of FSS (Federal Statistical System) do not seem to make any difference to
the NRA or the Republicans in Congress who have blocked all types of gun reform. There are
more than 406,000 people accidentally killed by guns from 2001 to 2013. Deadly unintentional
shootings by children increased 43 percent in March and April compared to average gun deaths
during the same two months over the last three years, according to data analyzed by advocacy
group Everytown for Gun Safety.
The availability of guns in the community is an important determinate of suicide attempts by
gun. Given the public health importance of suicide and what is known about the role of guns in
suicide, strategies that keep guns out of the hands of individuals who intend self-harm are worthy
of careful scrutiny. In 2010, US Department of Justice reported that, although federal law
prohibits the sale of handguns to persons younger than 21 years, in the absence of federal
preemption (i.e., the removal of legislative authority from a lower level of government), some
states and municipalities allow the sale of handguns to younger individuals. In a study of case
fatality rates in the northeastern United States, it was found that 91% of suicide attempts by
handguns resulted in death. By comparison, the mortality rate was 84% by drowning and 82% by
hanging; poisoning with drugs accounted for 74% of acts but only 14% of fatalities.
According to some gun rights activists and supporters, restricting gun ownership is never the best
for people. The National Rifle Association (NRA) reports true that arming people with guns
makes society safer and decreases the likelihood of powerful governments ruling the people with
tyranny.
Talking is easy, action is difficult. Our politicians should stop talking and need to stand up to the
lobby and pass reasonable laws that will limit gun ownership when allowed to mentally disturbed
individuals, criminals, gang members, terrorists, domestic abusers, and so forth. Accidental
shootings and suicides are all more likely to occur in homes with guns.
HW: analyze the rhetorical context.
LOGOS: The introduction is crammed with data mainly revealing a worrying number/percentage
of people killed by guns. Same for the arguments supported with credible references (FSS), US
dept. of Justice, NRA, a study case by the U.S etc.
ETHOS: The author didn’t use this appeal directly but we can infer from his career as a columnist
that he is supposed to write quality content and authentic reports. Also, the great no of trustworthy
and reputable evidences he provided, shows that he’s very knowledgeable and well informed about
the claim and even the counter argument of this topic. Not to forget the language and tone are
compatible with the context of the situation: his language is easy and clear for the audience to
understand. The choice of words is meant to have a huge impact on the audience: horrendous,
fatality etc.
PATHOS: Refer to Kellerman analysis of PATHOS.
In general, Pathos can be expressed through:
- pictures
- gestures of the body
- words, common expressions, etc.
- sensory details
- figures of speech
- powerful adjectives and nouns
- etc.
Therefore, any words/images stirring up emotions are considered an appeal to Pathos.
KAIROS: This article doesn’t depend on a specific situation. The author referred to grounds that
date back to 2014.