CDC to Resume Study of "Gun Violence"

[Wheelgunner]

OK, I heard on the news today about President Obama restarting funding for CDC research into "gun violence" and thought the story would be a good topic for discussion.  First, I'll give you an opportunity to read the story that I'm referring to:  http://www.npr.org/blogs/health/2013/02/06/170844926/debate-rages-on-even-as-research-ban-on-gun-violence-ends

 

Now, the last time the CDC had funding to do this kind of research, they found that the safety risks of keeping a firearm in the home outweigh the safety benefits.  

 

In a separate NBC article (found here: http://vitals.nbcnews.com/_news/2013/01/16/16532333-obama-plan-eases-freeze-on-cdc-gun-violence-research?lite) a Dr. Frederick Rivera, editor of the Archives of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, referred to "gun violence" as a "public health problem."  The Health and Human Services Secretary said, "We are committed to re-engaging gun violence research at the [CDC]."

 

From the outset, I don't understand how the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has any business researching so-called "gun violence."  It seems to me that they already have their hands full with, oh, I don't know... AIDS?  Cancer?  Ebola?  Does it really seem right that they would spend their valuable resources (OUR resources) on "gun violence" instead of focusing on curing and controlling blood borne pathogens or something?

 

Second, what the hell is "gun violence"?  Violence is violence; the aggressor's instrument of choice is merely incidental.  Does it make sense that the CDC would officially investigate firearms related attacks but not suicide bomb attacks, or domestic violence, etc.?  I happen to think that the popular practice of referring to firearms related crimes as "gun violence" subtly numbs us to the reality that behind every crime there is a morally culpable person who chose to do something reprehensible.

 

 I am astounded by the degree to which we as a society refuse to accept responsibility for our own faults.  I'll concede, there are real problems that have come to light recently.  One is the fact that we abide a media that glamorizes and sensationalizes mass murder.  Another is that we are too lazy to take steps to ensure our own personal safety.  Rather than personally defending ourselves, we would rather rely on the state to do so -- even when it has been firmly established that the state cannot do so.  Finally, we blame our problems on an inanimate object.

 

What do you guys think?

 

[Garufa]

The things you point out are precisely why previous administrations and/or Congress forbade the CDC from conducting such "studies"

Edited February 7, 2013 by Garufa

[BrasilNuts]

I don't understand how the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has any business researching so-called "gun violence."

Didn't you know?

Gun ownership is a disease. Edited February 7, 2013 by BrasilNuts

[Spiffy]

It will take an act of Congress to get the funding for the research. Barry O can write all the EOs he wants but unless Congress sets aside the $$$$ it's just hot air.

[Guest ThePunisher]

Didn't you know?
Gun ownership is disease.

Yeah, I've got the black rifle disease.

[BrasilNuts]

Yeah, I've got the black rifle disease.

There is no cure.

[Glenn]

I see it now. Gun ownership is a disease. The only cure is to take away your guns.

[RED333]

I see it now. Gun ownership is a disease. The only cure is to take away your guns.

No it is not, it is fun and self defense.

Edited February 7, 2013 by RED333