ANOTHER Debate Invitation
A couple of days ago I replied to a rhetorical question at another blog. That blogger responded:
Kevin, Sorry it took me so long to get over here and thank you for the mention.
There have been times when pro-gun guys have pointed out to me that guns aren’t the only factor contributing to the violence, even the gun violence. I’ve always responded that I never said guns were the only factor. I realize there’s drug and alcohol abuse, there’s economics, family dysfunction, and other things that all combine to give us the gun violence we have.
In your comment you seem to be talking as if gun availability is the only factor. Since it’s not, even if your stats are perfectly accurate about the numbers of guns that were pumped into the society while the murder rate when down, there may very well have been other factors to explain that. For example, changes in certain laws, the flow of drugs into the inner cities, like crack cocaine, etc.
Besides, you conveniently leave out the accidents and suicides and talk only of murders. That’s not fair.
So, always trying to be fair, I’ve invited “mikeb30200” to debate:
Mikeb, I’ll make you the same offer I make to everyone willing to discuss the topic of gun control: I’m willing to debate you on all of the topics you mentioned above – homicide, accident, suicide, etc. – either at my blog (I’ll give you guest posting privileges) or by trading posts at our respective blogs. I don’t expect to change your mind, nor you mine. I do this so that you can present your arguments and defend them in public, and I can do the same for mine. That way, those people who have not formed concrete opinions on the topic can see both sides and make informed decisions for themselves.
If you’re sure you’re right, are you willing to defend your position?
I left the same invitation at his blog. We shall see. But I ain’t holding my breath.
UPDATE: Invitation declined:
Kevin, I’m afraid I have to decline. The reason is I honestly don’t have the time to do it. I appreciete the offer, it’s one that Bob S. has made a few times. I would also like to say, it wouldn’t really be a fair debate, my being an amateur and actually a newcomer to the gun issues and you and your friends being true experts. It’s one of the things I respect about you guys the most, you certainly have done your homework.
Since my knowledge and experience is so limited compared to yours, I’d have to invest serious time in research and referencing just to make a half way decent showing, and unfortunately I just can’t right now.
Over the last year since I have become involved in the debate I’ve learned a lot. At this rate, hopefully in a year or so, I won’t be quite so out-classed as I would be now. It would be like my getting in the ring with the Pacman.
Not that his admitted ignorance will keep him from promoting “obvious truths” that aren’t.