The problem with that statistic is that it is only partially true.
There is a word missing – and that word is “traced.”
The U.S. is responsible for over 90 percent of the traced firearms found in Mexico, but the vast majority of guns recovered in Mexico are not sent back to the U.S. to be traced because they are obviously made somewhere else.
Mexico is a virtual arms bazaar with weapons, like their illegal drugs, pouring into Mexican ports. And most importantly, the most powerful weapons like rocket propelled grenades, hand grenades and fully automatic assault weapons – are all illegal in the U.S. These are not weapons that can be bought over the counter in Texas and smuggled illegally into Mexico.
The article goes on to say, and I agree, that the real problem is drug use in the US. That’s what’s fueling the violence.
It’s time to seriously consider legalizing drugs. Before the insurgency spills over into the US. And it’s already in Phoenix and Tucson.
Tip: Reader Russell King, who emails:
The 90% story didn’t hold up. Now the NRA/Fox goons are using it as “proof” of how we — the Left, the media and the Obama administration — all conspired to spread this “deliberate lie.” These sons of bitches don’t need us to help them. From what I’m reading, the cartels are getting most of their full-auto weaponry from other countries, and some significant portion of their fire power is from Mexican cops/military who jump sides to the drug lords and take their weapons with them — weapons the US gov’t supplied to the Mexican gov’t.
I’m with you: Â Legalize what they’re selling and their power will dry up.
“Now the NRA/Fox goons are using it as “proof†of how we — the Left, the media and the Obama administration — all conspired to spread this “deliberate lie.—
And you can add to that Obama’s two reversals on the Assault Weapons Ban, first saying he wouldn’t seek to change gun laws, then saying he would, then (confronted with massive opposition) backing down. (http://asymptoticlife.com/2009/03/05/panic-just-a-few-changes.aspx)
And the DOD under Obama’s decision (now reversed) to destroy spent brass rather than selling it to reloaders. (http://asymptoticlife.com/2009/04/27/political-action-shifts-obama-policy-twice.aspx)
I am a gun owner who doesn’t belong to the NRA (or buy its propaganda). My wife and I live on the frontier where it could be hours before a sheriff shows up. And I have had to use my gun to protect my goats. I don’t believe the 2nd Amendment is unlimited, but I’m wary of gun control efforts because guns DO have an important place in my life.
I consider myself a traditional conservative as distinct from the neo-liberal neo-cons. I voted for Obama. I have far more in common with him than in Limbaugh, Cheney, and their ilk. But since he took office, Obama sure hasn’t made many friends in this part of the world.
As Bob has pointed out more than once, there’s a battle for the hearts and minds of Middle America. (e.g. http://polizeros.com/2007/07/07/deer-hunting-with-jesus-dispatches-from-americas-class-war/) The Left has failed to show up.