Changes

==Overview==

==Overview==

The end effect of gun control laws is the concentration of firearms ownership in the hands of the state, and a general reduction in the level of gun crime. This is why gun control is promoted by various statist philosophies such as [[Communism]], [[Socialism]], and [[Fascism]] as well as many democratic nations such as the UK, France, Germany and Australia.

The end effect of gun control laws is the concentration of firearms ownership in the hands of the state. This is why gun control is promoted by various statist philosophies such as [[Communism]], [[Socialism]], and [[Fascism]].  

"Gun control" is the use of legislation to place restrictions on use of guns. This can include:

"Gun control" is the use of legislation to place restrictions on this right. This can include:

* Restricting which persons can own firearms.   

* Restricting which persons can own firearms.   

==Objections to gun control==

==Objections to gun control==

Studies by John Lott and others indicate that gun control causes higher crime rates<ref>http://www.johnrlott.com/</ref>.  [[Washington, D.C.]] has one of the highest crime rates in America even though it completely bans private handguns <ref>http://www.disastercenter.com/crime/dccrime.htm</ref>. Of course, guns are freely available in nearby Virginia.

Studies by John Lott and others indicate that gun control causes higher crime rates<ref>http://www.johnrlott.com/</ref>.  [[Washington, D.C.]] has one of the highest crime rates in America even though it completely bans private handguns <ref>http://www.disastercenter.com/crime/dccrime.htm</ref>.  

After decades of increasing gun control laws, the current trend is in the direction of more gun rights.  The 1994 Omnibus Crime Bill included a ban on certain new rifles labeled assault rifles solely because of features of their appearance, and on new high-capacity magazines.  This law recently expired and was not renewed by Congress.  Also, Washington D.C.'s gun ban was struck down as unconstitutional by the U.S. Court of Appeals on March 9, 2007.<ref>http://www.washtimes.com/metro/20070309-102401-2730r.htm</ref>

After decades of increasing gun control laws, the current trend is in the direction of more gun rights.  The 1994 Omnibus Crime Bill included a ban on certain new rifles labeled assault rifles solely because of features of their appearance, and on new high-capacity magazines.  This law recently expired and was not renewed by Congress.  Also, Washington D.C.'s gun ban was struck down as unconstitutional by the U.S. Court of Appeals on March 9, 2007.<ref>http://www.washtimes.com/metro/20070309-102401-2730r.htm</ref>