Staff Reports
In the world of politics, the phrase “figures can lie, and liars can figure” rings all too true. While statistics can be useful in a variety of ways, it’s important to remember that they can also be manipulated and cherry-picked to support a pre-determined policy agenda. Governor Gavin Newsom of California has made this clear as he selectively chooses data to support his push for strict gun control measures.
However, Democrats are quick to turn the tables by pointing out that gun violence is highest in Republican states. They claim that “gun violence is worse in red states. It’s not even close.” But the reality is that depending on how you frame it, statistics can tell different stories about mass shootings, school shootings, and the correlation between gun ownership and gun violence.
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The fact remains that the likelihood of being killed in a mass shooting is incredibly low, and people who try to manipulate the data to push their agenda are particularly reprehensible. It’s important to dig deeper into the statistics to get a clearer picture of the situation. For example, the murder rate in counties that Biden won in Trump states is 83% higher than in Biden states. This may have more to do with law enforcement and demographics than with state gun control laws.
It’s clear that analysis of murder rates at the county level tells a much different story than those at the state level. And since crime is mostly handled at the municipal or county level, it’s important to look at data at that level. Left-leaning politicians who push false data are cynically and dishonestly doing so to drive their political agenda and excuse the failings of leftist district attorneys and judges.
The left’s focus on blaming the sword for the hand that wields it is troubling. We may be overlooking policy solutions that could actually work, such as addressing mental health issues and working with law enforcement to reduce crime. It’s time to stop playing games with statistics and start focusing on real solutions that benefit everyone.
Source: Red State
