Dave Kopel

In the following viewpoint, Dave Kopel asserts that antigun organizations and activists often misrepresent the facts concerning gun violence. He cites several statistics often used in gun control arguments and argues that they are exaggerated and misleading. He further argues that some claims made by antigun forces—such as the charge that firearms sales at gun shows are not regulated—are outright lies. Kopel maintains that gun violence should be put in perspective. For example, he notes, most gun violence is committed by criminals. Kopel is research director of the Independence Institute, a free-market think tank in Colorado that opposes gun control legislation.

As you read, consider the following questions:

1. About how many children do gun control advocates claim are killed each day by guns, according to Kopel...