From Legal Purchase to Criminal Hands: The Path of Guns in America
Almost every gun involved in a crime was first purchased legally...
How do guns that start off legally purchased end up being used in crimes? This episode of 'The American Health Podcast' tackles this pressing question by rebroadcasting an insightful episode from 'In Sickness and In Health'. The conversation dives deep into the journey of firearms from lawful purchase to illegal possession, shedding light on a significant public health issue.
The episode features interviews with leading experts like Daniel Webster and Cassandra Crifasi from the Johns Hopkins Center for Gun Policy and Research. Harold Pollack, a professor at the University of Chicago, also shares his expertise. They collectively unravel the complexities of how legal firearms transition into criminal hands and the loopholes that facilitate this shift. One of the standout points is the revelation that nearly every gun involved in a crime was initially bought legally.
This fact underscores the widespread nature of the problem and the urgent need for robust gun laws. The discussion also touches on the role of background checks and permit requirements in curbing gun violence and firearm suicides. The episode doesn't shy away from examining controversial topics like the repeal of gun laws, using Missouri's permit requirement rollback as a case study.
By framing gun violence as a public health issue, the episode emphasizes the importance of comprehensive strategies to address it. This thought-provoking discussion is essential listening for anyone looking to understand the intricate relationship between gun ownership and public health in America.