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Cake day: July 1st, 2023

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  • I think you’re confusing me with other commentors. I haven’t suggested this research in particular is being actively used to support policy decisions. Nor have I suggested this research is advocating for policy.

    In my initial comment I simply said policy in general (at least with gun control) shouldn’t be based on people’s feelings/anecdotes.

    I think this study asked a very interesting question, and I find the results to be very interesting. I don’t really have any issues with this research by itself.



  • I could understand the argument for factoring people’s feelings into policy in some cases, but let’s take this study as an example.

    Handguns are responsible for far more harm than AR-15s, but this study shows people “fear” AR-15s more. A policy that is based on these findings and not empirical data may attempt to reduce gun violence by addressing AR-15 ownership. Thereby not having a major effect on reducing actual gun violence.

    A policy focusing on reducing handgun ownership would be much more effective at reducing gun violence, despite people not fearing them as much.