Private Guns, Public Health: A Dramatic New Plan for Ending America's Epidemic of Gun Violence

by David Hemenway

Book Overview

On an average day in the United States, guns are used to kill over ninety people and wound about three hundred more; yet such facts are accepted as a natural consequence of supposedly high American... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0472114050
• ISBN13: 9780472114054
• Release Date: February 2004
• Publisher: University of Michigan Press
• Length: 326 Pages
• Weight: 1.30 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.3" x 6.3" x 9.3"

Customer Reviews

Understanding lethal violence in America

This comprehensive and enlightening book persuasively argues that developing sound gun violence prevention policy should be based on public health research and practices and not on political rhetoric. Indeed, there is no reason why firearm-related deaths in the U.S. (approximately 30,000 annually) should be treated differently from deaths caused by any other consumer product. The author successfully debunks some well-publicized studies that suggest that having more guns on our streets somehow makes us safer; instead, he argues, wide spread gun ownership actually leads to a demonstrable increase in lethal crime. And since more guns lead to more violence and death, it is our responsibility to pursue strong, "prohealth" gun control legislation. This valuable approach for identifying solutions for combating gun violence deserves a prominent place in the public policy discourse and is a must read for anybody interested in the issues of guns and violence.

Review written by Lewis S. Dabney

This book is the definitive work for those who seek professionally produced research on what uncontrolled gun proliferation and its accompanying "culture" has done to the United States in the late 20th and early 21st centuries. It does not seek to blame anyone, but it does come to grips with absurd "studies" by the likes of gun apologist Gary Kleck of Florida who claims ownership of guns prevents 2.5 million firearm attacks annually (actual figure for justifiable homicides by citizens adds to under 200 annually), and puts to rest ludicrous unfounded claims by John Lott in a politically pitched book "More guns, less crime" by showing that where there are higher levels of gun ownership, there are more suicides, more accidental gun deaths and more homicides--in other words, more lethal crime. Dr Hemenway's opus, coming from a background of research and scholarship at the Harvard School of Public Health--very sound credentials, treats gun crime as a public health issue rather than a crime issue. After all, gun crime costs an estimated $6 million a day in medical costs borne in the main by taxpayers. A health issue therefore becomes one of prevention and treatment rather than punishment. And treatable by doctors rather than politicians. The book is a "brilliant and clear-eyed primer for the country", says the New York Times which praises its "superb bibliography". The health issue is of special interest to those of us in the gun control business, with its well- researched emphasis on the simple access to guns by anyone including kids (as easy to get as a package of gum ) as being a principal culprit on the worsening of simple crime in the United States such as burglary, into lethal crime--murder. It is heartily recommended to open-minded readers. -Lewis S. Dabney, fmr Chairman, Citizens for Safety, Boston.

Unbiased Research

David Hemenway is a true professional. He takes a topic like guns, which can at times be incendiary, removes the politics and emotion, and presents a thorough analysis of their dangers. Hemenway rises above the fray to deliver a factual, unbiased book. He shows that researchers are stil out out there who possess integrity as opposed to personal agendas.

Just the Facts Please

The debate over guns in America is often more smoke than bacon, but this book brings well thought out, persuasive scholarship to this controversial topic.Why shouldn't we treat gun violence as a public health problem? Good question -- and Professor David Hemenway has cogent, on target answers.A lot of Americans want to make this an emotional issue. It's not; it's a life, death and injury issue.Hemenway is a public health professor who knows his stuff. Put aside your arsenal of biases for a few hours and read his book.He offers an approach that should become as American as apple pie.I give it a five bullet rating.

Exposes gun violence as a public health issue

This is a thoroughly-researched book that helps to understand the handgun epidemic for what it is - an epidemic. By treating gun violence as a public health issue rather than one simply of crime, our nation will finally be able to successfully address this evil that regularly kills 30,000 Americans every single year. I highly recommended this book for all Americans who are interested in working to end gun violence in our nation. Kudos, Dr. Hemenway, on another piece of excellent research!