Most Don’t Blame Firearms
Polls Say Guns Aren’t The Problem
If you think guns are to blame for mass shootings in the United States or anywhere else, you are definitely in the minority, according to a Rasmussen poll released last month.
Of course, the gun ban lobby ignored it, and so did the establishment media. The results didn’t jibe with their narrative, and the prevailing wisdom within the firearms prohibition movement — especially the press — is that if it wasn’t reported, it didn’t happen. (That’s what more than 50 years in journalism taught me.)
According to Rasmussen, 41% of “likely U.S. voters” believe mental health is more to blame for mass shootings in America. Take out a pencil or grab a pocket calculator because the next numbers are important, too. Another 13% think “social media is more to blame.” Add to that the 10% who point the finger at “family problems,” plus the 6% who blame problems at school. Combined, this adds up to 70%.
Against the 70%, Rasmussen found 26% who “blame access to firearms.” Hmmm. The next time some twit in your state capitol claims “the majority” of people believe more gun control will prevent mass shootings, tell them about Rasmussen’s poll.
Incidentally, Rasmussen said these recent survey results “are only slightly changed from April 2023.”
The numbers also reflect what Insider reported last month about a Gallup poll. As we reported at the time, “89% of Democrats (support) stricter gun laws compared with 56% of Independents and 25% of Republicans.”
Rasmussen has been doing polls for a very long time, and the company is good at it, which is why Insider pays attention to the results.
The survey, taken Dec. 17-19 (just days after the school shooting in Madison, Wisconsin), also revealed what one might expect according to party affiliation. A whopping 77% of Democrats “believe stricter gun control laws would help prevent shootings.” This opinion is shared by only 31% of Republicans and 40% of Independents. By no surprise, 49% of Democrats say, “passing new gun control laws would do more to reduce gun violence,” but only 18% of Republicans and 24% of Independents share that view.
On the other hand, 66% of Republicans and 59% of Independents believe stricter enforcement of existing laws would be more effective, while 45% of Democrats concur. Overall, 56% of those “likely voters” say enforcement of current laws “would do more,” while only 31% think passing new laws is the solution. Curiously, 13% aren’t sure one way or the other.
Among those who blame mental health, 47% are Republicans, 41% are Independents and 34% are Democrats. Among the minority who blame guns, 41% are Democrats, 9% are Republicans and 27% are Independents.
Insider brings all of this up now because state legislatures have been in session for at least a couple of weeks in most places, and it’s a cinch the gun control crowd is already working on schemes to ratchet down on gun rights as this year’s soup du jour solution to mass shootings. If they aren’t using the December school shooting in Madison, they’re exploiting some other bit of mayhem.
The poll contacted 1,099 likely voters and had a margin of sampling error of +/- 3 percentage points.
Having reported on various surveys over the years, I have reached one inescapable conclusion: Results vary widely, depending upon the questions and the timing. Polls taken in the wake of a highly publicized mass shooting typically show higher support for gun control than surveys conducted weeks or even months after such an event.
For example, a mid-December survey conducted by McLaughlin & Associates for the Second Amendment Foundation revealed the following: “Overwhelming majorities of voters want their political leaders in Washington to defend Second Amendment rights (77%),” said veteran pollster Jim McLaughlin. “Furthermore, three out of four voters (76%) say it is important to nominate and confirm judges to the federal courts who will make it a priority to strictly follow the Second Amendment and nearly two-in-three voters (63%) think President Donald Trump will make it a priority to protect and defend the Second Amendment rights of law-abiding gun owners. It is safe to say that Americans are clearly excited about the results of the November elections and the rights of gun owners remain very important to voters.”
Trump took office a few days ago, and it should become evident shortly just where his priorities lie in terms of gun control or gun rights protection. According to the poll, 62% of Americans think Second Amendment rights will be better protected with Trump in the White House and Republicans controlling Capitol Hill.
But here’s what SAF founder and Executive Vice President Alan Gottlieb had to say when McLaughlin released the survey results: “This survey underscores the prevailing public perception that Democrats have become the “party of gun prohibition.” The numbers also justify SAF’s commitment to defend the Second Amendment in our various court challenges, winning firearms freedom one lawsuit at a time.”
To view the McLaughlin polling data, follow these links:
National December Presentation
National SAF Topline Results
National SAF X-Tabs
THE MAILBAG
Dave, 81-year-old cop. Great article (“Getaway Ammunition,” Dec. 5). When I retired at 51 and moved out of woke Lexington, Ky to rural Harrison County, I started wearing two SIG .380s in a vest pocket.
Now, I carry two 9mm CZs with double pouch mags. Also, a forged fighting knife by Tiger McKee.
My mind rests easy, and at 237 pounds and six foot three, I carry with no discomfort. I see no problem being equipped for the ultimate situation. I’ve had to draw down twice in 22 years. The (trouble) stopped right there.
“Nine toed Ted”
(via email)
Dave replies: I have occasionally carried two sidearms, my main defensive pistol and a backup, and I’ve known many others who did likewise. If that’s your choice, who’s to argue? Thanks for reading Insider Online. Stay safe and shoot straight!