C. Emory Burton

C. Emory Burton, a retired United Methodist minister, maintains in the following viewpoint that the high levels of gun ownership in America are very much responsible for the relatively high levels of violent crime in the United States. Rates of firearms homicide are higher where guns are more plentiful, he argues. Therefore, laws that reduce gun availability and restrict gun ownership will reduce violent crime. Burton points to the 1993 Brady Bill as a law that has successfully reduced gun availability and asserts that the public supports further gun control legislation. As you read, consider the following questions:

1. What is the author’s view of state gun control laws?
2. What does Burton say is unique about the United States among other industrialized nations?
3. How many handgun purchases has the...