The ostensible reason that the National Rifle Association and Planned Parenthood occupy the center of our current political discussion are that they are related, directly or indirectly, to recent news events. … A more powerful reason might be that we’re in the midst of a surprisingly heated presidential race, in […] Read more »
Gun Politics Have Changed, Mostly Among Republicans
Despite mass shootings — and despite some 80 to 90 percent of Americans saying they are in favor of background checks — no legislation expanding on the 1993 Brady Bill has passed Congress. What’s going on? CONT. Domenico Montanaro, NPR Recent polls: Guns Read more »
Another Gun Tragedy. Don’t Expect Much Policy Action to Result
… So what can Americans expect to see in the wake of the Oregon shooting? Probably nothing at the federal level. In fact, since Sandy Hook, support for gun rights has actually risen, according to a 2014 Pew study. The National Rifle Association (NRA), widely regarded as one of the […] Read more »
Young people are far more likely to die by guns than in cars
… Gun deaths, by homicide and suicide, are pretty common in the U.S. According to the Centers for Disease Control, 33,636 Americans died by firearm in 2013 — about one person every 15 minutes. And they disproportionately happen to young people. … David Hemenway, a professor of public health at […] Read more »
Race Relations in the United States
Both white and African American residents nationally agree that race relations in the United States have deteriorated during the past year. But, the consensus ends there. This survey of Americans illustrates the contrast in opinions along racial lines about the opportunities available today for African Americans. CONT. PBS NewsHour/Marist Poll Read more »
Half in U.S. Continue to Say Gov’t Is an Immediate Threat
Almost half of Americans, 49%, say the federal government poses “an immediate threat to the rights and freedoms of ordinary citizens,” similar to what was found in previous surveys conducted over the last five years. When this question was first asked in 2003, less than a third of Americans held […] Read more »