On a recent trip to Florida, I saw in the local newspaper an article about two young boys who found and played with their father's revolver. One of the boys was accidentally shot and killed. Ironically, the father was a sheriff whose specialty was gun safety.
Upon our return home we read a article in the Deseret News about two boys who found an old shotgun and, while handling it, one of the boys tripped and fell causing the gun to discharge, killing one of the boys.This caused me to ask the question: "How many people in the United States are killed accidentally by loaded guns?"
As I pondered this question another question occurred to me: "How many people in the United States are being shot and murdered intentionally?"
The federal government keeps records on how many die annually from various diseases. Why not a total of those who die from gunshots both intentionally and accidentally?
In an armed society, it is important to know how to effectively regulate firearms. How many people in Utah, New York, California, Texas, Florida, etc., will die from guns this week, month and year? This information would make us all aware of the risk in gun ownership and induce caution by the public.
David E. Fullmer
Salt Lake City