How is it data reveals a decrease in gun violence, but the pundits blast out an increase?

2015-12-03T17:39:36-05:00

https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/wonk/wp/2015/12/03/weve-had-a-massive-decline-in-gun-violence-in-the-united-states-heres-why/

We’ve had a massive decline in gun violence in the United States. Here’s why.

Even though mass shootings are happening more frequently, gun violence in general is much less common than it used to be.

Response by LTC Stephen F. made Dec 3 at 2015 5:41 PM

2015-12-03T17:41:48-05:00

Pundits tend to exaggerate spikes in local areas and then they extrapolate the incidents or results to much larger degrees Sgt Spencer Sikder.
There are usually hidden agendas which propel the pundits to more fame or ignominy.

Response by SGM David W. Carr LOM, DMSM MP SGT made Dec 3 at 2015 5:56 PM

2015-12-03T17:56:09-05:00

gun free zones are the favorite target of these weak and mentally unstable people.
most of the killing in America happen in states and cities with the strictest gun control laws.
how many incidents happened at an NRA or gun show event? None

Response by PVT Robert Gresham made Dec 3 at 2015 6:00 PM

2015-12-03T18:00:17-05:00

As long as the media is reporting, Sgt Spencer Sikder, Americans will be bombarded by gun violence / gun control issues after every shooting. The POTUS' clear stand against gun rights is, of course, an encouraging factor to the media. We also have to remember that it seems that we have more gun violence now than in the past due to the boom of "personal media", wherein many shootings are recorded by private citizens, and then sold, allowing the mainstream media to feed the average viewer's lust for all things bloody, 24/7.

Response by CPT Jack Durish made Dec 3 at 2015 6:00 PM

2015-12-03T18:00:35-05:00

Sadly, the article you referenced describes some factors which may account for the reduction in violent crime, but it is mute on possible reasons for an increase in mass killings. That seems to be the topic on most people's minds these days. Now, why do pundits comment as though the opposite is true? They are opinion mongers and their product sells best in times of peril. A significant reduction in crime doesn't help them very much. So, they lie. Of course, that's just my opinion.

Response by Capt Mark Strobl made Dec 3 at 2015 6:45 PM

2015-12-03T18:45:00-05:00

When data becomes empirical, it's only as good as the interpreter... and the objective becomes subjective. At this point, we must put on own filters over the message.

Response by MSgt James Mullis made Dec 3 at 2015 6:56 PM

2015-12-03T18:56:33-05:00

Because the "pundits" are lying and do not care about the truth. All they care about is their agenda. To be kind they may also be suffering from "Confirmation Bias", which is the tendency to only remember things that that confirms your beliefs or hypotheses, while giving disproportionately less consideration to alternative possibilities.

Response by Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS made Dec 3 at 2015 7:13 PM

2015-12-03T19:13:58-05:00

2 years ago, the FBI* redefined mass-murder (and mass-shooting) from 4+ killed (4+ injured) to 3+ killed (3+ injured). They effectively changed the measuring stick.

*the Legal Statute which the FBI (DOJ) uses changed, which defines Mass-Killing (aka Mass Murder).

https://www.fbi.gov/news/stories/2014/september/fbi-releases-study-on-active-shooter-incidents/pdfs/a-study-of-active-shooter-incidents-in-the-u.s.-between-2000-and-2013

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Response by LTC Jeffrey Strickland made Dec 3 at 2015 7:16 PM

2015-12-03T19:16:38-05:00

Sgt Spencer Sikder , Data can be misrepresented and politicians use this fact to their advantage. I say this as a data scientist, people select data that support their premise and ignore data (sometimes hiding it) that does not.

Response by Cpl Mark McMiller made Dec 3 at 2015 7:20 PM

2015-12-03T19:20:05-05:00

They're liars.

Response by SSG Gerhard S. made Dec 3 at 2015 7:21 PM

2015-12-03T19:21:20-05:00

Some, particularly on the Progressive side of the equation simply ignore the data, and feed off the emotional turmoil of the moment following every dramatic event. This gives those who choose to, or were never taught how to think critically, all the information they need to thoughtlessly repeat the hyperbole in ever expanding circles. Regards.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 4 at 2015 1:54 AM

2015-12-04T01:54:31-05:00

You can't let facts get in the way of a good issue.

Response by PO3 Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 4 at 2015 7:40 AM

2015-12-04T07:40:51-05:00

(sac on) no guns! no guns! no guns! the 2nd is stupid, guns kill people, people don't kill people!!! Guns is evil and can possess good people!! Also Gun jump up and aim by themselves and kill people too! if there is an absolute ban on guns, there will be no gun violence! Terrorists and criminals will sell their guns if we pay them good money! If we post sign of no firearms allow, terrorists and criminals will obey!(Sac off)

Here rest my case. LOL

Response by PO3 Steven Sherrill made Dec 4 at 2015 2:09 PM

2015-12-04T14:09:18-05:00

Sgt Spencer Sikder The simple answer is that in the information age, everything is broadcast to the world within minutes. So while an act of violence fifteen years ago would have been local news, now it is world news just because of social media.

Response by Capt Dominick B made Dec 10 at 2015 1:34 PM

2015-12-10T13:34:06-05:00

It all depends on how you define "gun violence" - an inherently fuzzy concept. The reports that show an increase generally include suicides, accidents (negligent discharges), use of a gun in a crime-even if no shots were fired, and sometimes even police reports of 'shots heard', but no one apprehended or convicted. This all serves to inflate the number of gun violence incidents to support the gun control agenda. Usually, govt. agencies (FBI, DOJ, etc.) are fairly unbiased with how they categorize these events, but given today's political environment, you have to check the details in any report.