Arming America

[jimmy the one]

20. some valid criticism, no doubt

mel: To the uninitiated, they can seem like witch hunts but they are careful and thoughtful examination of the sources, the work and the conclusions.

Some can be truthful, true; there was indeed valid criticism of bellesiles, but there was also a bit of biased twisting & dismissal of much truth in what he wrote.
My opinion is that much criticism of bellesiles focused on the relatively few errors which he undoubtedly made whether intentionally or unintentionally, transmogrified them and painted the entire book as worthless, & that about anything MB wrote in 'Arming America' was suspect. There was much of value in Arming America, and of course always will be.

mel : If you write an academic work, you must be prepared for this level of scrutiny.

This pertains across the board, & thus perhaps you can tell me how you feel about gun guru john lott & his pro-gun books?

PS: I inadvertently misread icon for you in earlier reply, but I actually agree with him for a change, my application of dissemble would not fit well. The apology is to mel moose, not to icon.