Charleston Gazette Looks at Gun Show Loophole

Once again the mainstream media reported on the notorious “gun show loophole,” suggesting this small part of all gun sales must somehow be responsible for all gun crime out there. The Charleston Gazette offers this opinion in an editorial:

“Any criminal, drunk, psycho, addict, teenager or other unsuitable American can attend a gun show and buy deadly pistols from amateur dealers — no questions asked. Such informal sales don’t require background checks of the sort performed by licensed dealers.

“Since America is saturated with about 70 million handguns, it’s easy for these weapons to flow through makeshift booths and tables of gun galas, then join the flood of illicit pistols on U.S. streets, where they cause a bloodbath.”

First, there are some misleading facts about this. The first is that a criminal is breaking the law, and if a criminal uses the gun show he or she is just as likely to seek out any means. So why should law abiding citizens be punished? It would be akin to suggesting that alcohols might drink at a baseball game and drive home drunk. So should all beer be banned at the ballpark?

Second, addicts (at least the hardcore variety) are going to be more likely to sell things than buy a gun. It is easier to just steal anything and sell it, then go out and get a gun to commit crimes. Besides a hardcore addict will likely draw attention at a gun show. As for the teenager, let’s get real. It is illegal to sell a firearm to anyone under 18-years old, so that won’t fly at a gun show.

And to the final point, the editors offer that there are 70 million handguns, but we only hear of a small fraction of those used in crime. America has seen an increase in gun sales, yet a decrease in crime. Does that suggest guns might be the answer and not the problem?