Date: Tue, 20 Dec 1994 23:48:28 -0800 (PST) From: "Edgar A. Suter" To: firearms-alert@shell.portal.com Subject: framing the CCW debate If we are to _succeed_ in CCW reform, _WE_ must frame the debate. _WE_ must define the language of discussion. In this vein, I propose the following terminology: CCW _reform_ In the 22 _progressive_ states that have reformed CCW law to _allow mentally competent, law-abiding adults to protect themselves *outside* their homes_ ... the _anti-self-defense lobby_ _abuses_ of an entirely _subjective_ "discretionary" system of CCW issuance The _fearmongering imagery_ of the anti-self-defense lobby Remember how we have been beaten when the _anti-self-defense lobby_ framed the "assault weapon," "cop killer bullet," and "Saturday Night Special" issues? It is time for our counterattack, better organized, smarter, and we are _right_. The data are with us. Here's one example of how DIRPP is using the terminology to do media outreach _each and every time_ the CCW issue is discussed on television. We hope responsible spokespersons across the nation will do likewise. ************************************************************************* * Edgar A. Suter, MD suter@crl.com * * Chair, DIRPP Doctors for Integrity in Research & Public Policy * ************************************************************************* December 20, 1994 Mr. Greg Durago Assignment Editor KGO-TV SF CA by facsimile only 415-956-6402 Dear Mr. Durago, Doctors for Integrity in Research & Public Policy is a national think tank of medical school professors, researchers, and practicing physicians who have studied the extensive research on guns and violence. We are familiar with the research on reform of laws related to Carrying Concealed Weapons (CCW). Crime trend studies, matched state pair analyses, and county-by-county comparisons in California suggest that CCW reform (allowing mentally competent, law-abiding adults to protect themselves outside their homes) is a policy that saves lives. In aggregate the 22 progressive states that allow good citizens to protect themselves outside their homes have a murder rate approximately one-third lower than states, like California, that suffer the abuses of an entirely subjective "discretionary" system of CCW issuance. The fearmongering imagery of the anti-self-defense lobby has been quite unprophetic. None of their nightmare scenarios have occurred as a result of such progressive reforms. In California the counties that have the highest rates of discretionary CCW license issuance have the lowest rates of murder and those counties [like most of the SF Bay Area counties] that have low rates of issuance have high rates of crime. Considerably more data is available. I hope that you will keep me on file in your rolodex and distribute my contact information to your assignment desk for matters on gun prohibition and violence. I will transmit my recent written testimony to the Stockton City Council on the CCW issue for your further reference. Sincerely, Edgar A. Suter MD National Chair Doctors for Integrity in Research & Public Policy