“NOTHING That The Government Does To The Flow Of New Guns Can Possibly Affect Gun Violence Much”

February 19, 2013 in Books, Excerpts, Politics, Science/Tech, Urban Studies | Permalink

I think I reviewed the original Freakonomics and enjoyed it a whole lot. Breaking down myths is something we need to be actively doing. I wonder though if Steven Levitt and Stephen Dubner haven’t provided alternative answers to life’s questions that are likewise too tidy–that are also a bit of a narrative. Levitt just did an Ask Me Anything on Reddit. A few exchanges follow which reveal the economist’s feelings on gun control and other issues.

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Question:

My statistics class just recently finished reading your book, so thanks for doing an AMA! One of the things we were discussing about was if government’s current view on guns is a misconception on their part. Do you think the promotion of gun safety awareness or removing guns from stores will cause a drop in gun violence in the near future?

Answer:

My view, which basically has to be true, is that NOTHING that the government does to the flow of new guns can possibly affect gun violence much. There are already 300 million guns out there! They will be around for the next 50 years. The cat is out of the bag.

Question:

Success in Australia in the 90’s when they banned assault weapons depended upon the buy-back of the newly banned guns. It was vital.

Answer:

There is no sillier public policy than gun buybacks. You hardly get any guns, and the ones you get are not the ones that would be used in a crime.

Question:

After listening to your show on gun control. I was wondering if you guys are gun owners?

Answer:

Neither of us own guns.

I like guns. I would have one, probably, if my wife would let me. But she won’t.

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Question:

If you were King of the United States for a day, what changes would you put into place? What laws/policy changes are incredibly obvious to economists but contrary to public/political popular opinion?

Answer:

1) People have to pay a big chunk of their own health care.

2) We should have a flat tax or something like it.

3) We should allow/encourage talented immigrants to come to the US.

I think every economist believes in those three things.

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Question:

Who’d win in a fist fight, you, or Malcom Gladwell?

Answer:

That is a great question. I think I could actually take him.

I think Dubner and I together, would massacre him.

No mercy.

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