Have you seen this ad? It runs in magazines such as Rosie. It shows a young 7-year-old-ish girl, and claims that, every day, ten children die in gun-related accidents...the clear implication being that homes with guns in them are inherently dangerous places for kids. The CDC, though, reports that, in all of 1998, a total of 121 children under the age of 15 died in gun-related accidents--fewer than died in bicycling accidents (181), unintentional drownings (1003), suffocation (661), and even "miscellaneous" accidents (166). That's about one every three days, not ten every day. Someone is obviously lying. On top of that, they don't address things that are, statistically, far more dangerous for kids than guns. According to the CDC, you should be more concerned about your neighbor having a bicycle, swimming pool, or dry-cleaning bags.

Here's a reality check. The most comprehensive nationwide studies show that cities and counties with higher rates of private gun ownership have lower rates of violent crime. Self-defense is a right, and an important responsibility--especially as a parent. A firearm is the single most effective means of personal defense available. Rosie herself likes having armed bodyguards for her kids. Security that is not backed by firepower is false security. So why do the folks at Pax, Americans for Gun Safety, and other similar organizations want you to give up your security? Perhaps they know what George Mason knew: "I ask, sir, what is the militia? It is the whole people...To disarm the people is the best and most effectual way to enslave them." So here's my response to the Pax ad.