General Discussion
In reply to the discussion: Those who would give up essential liberty to purchase a little temporary safety [View all]HereSince1628
(36,063 posts)Last edited Wed Dec 19, 2012, 03:16 PM - Edit history (2)
When policy about risks is made, I think most Americans expect it to be based on actuarial risks based on empirical evidence from samples from which general statements can be drawn
The ridiculous notion that we could or should make a law based on the suspicions, hunches, or prejudices towards possible contributing causes of a single incident is downright irresponsible.
The ridiculous notion that we should discriminate against a vast majority of people who, actuarially, represent very minimal risk of social violence is equally irresponsible.
And, I feel the same way about broad-brushing gun owners, drivers (some of whom are drunk), impoverished people (who as a class have very high crime rates), post office employees (an industry with a HIGH rate of violence) etc etc etc