The gun solution we're not talking about

Vox
11 Sept 201906:28
EducationalLearning
32 Likes 10 Comments

TLDRThe video script discusses the inadequacy of universal background checks in addressing America's gun crisis, despite widespread support. It highlights the flaws in the FBI's outdated database, which often lacks crucial records, allowing dangerous individuals to purchase firearms legally. Instead, the script suggests that a licensing system, like those in 12 states and Washington, DC, could be more effective. This system involves a safety course, application, references, fingerprinting, and checks with local law enforcement and mental health departments, potentially reducing impulsive purchases and preventing both criminals and those without a record but at risk of committing violence from obtaining guns.

Takeaways
  • 🔍 **Background Check Necessity**: Politicians often call for background checks after mass shootings, with some Republicans supporting them.
  • 🔒 **Broken System**: The existing background check system is acknowledged as broken, highlighting the need for reform.
  • 👥 **Diverse Opinions**: There is a range of opinions on background checks, from those who are in favor to those who believe they won't solve the gun crisis.
  • 🚫 **Current Limitations**: The current system only requires background checks for gun purchases at licensed stores, not at gun shows or private sales.
  • 🌐 **Universal Background Checks**: The proposal for universal background checks would require checks for all gun purchases, regardless of the seller's licensing status.
  • 👍 **Public Support**: There is broad support among Americans for implementing universal background checks.
  • 🚨 **Ineffectiveness**: Despite public support, the script argues that universal background checks won't solve the gun crisis in America.
  • 📚 **Database Issues**: The FBI's database for background checks is outdated and missing millions of records, leading to failed checks for some with criminal backgrounds.
  • 🔎 **Background Check Process**: The process involves an FBI instant background check that screens for criminal records, addiction, restraining orders, and mental health hospitalizations.
  • 🏥 **Licensing System**: Some states have implemented a more comprehensive licensing system that includes safety courses, applications, references, and local law enforcement checks.
  • 📉 **Licensing Success**: Studies show that states with licensing systems, like Connecticut, have seen a decrease in gun-related homicides and suicides.
  • 👮‍♂️ **Local Enforcement**: Licensing systems involve local law enforcement and mental health checks, providing a more thorough screening process than background checks alone.
  • 🔑 **Delay and Deterrence**: The licensing process can delay impulsive gun purchases, potentially deterring individuals from acquiring firearms during a crisis.
  • 📊 **Popularity and Support**: Licensing systems are popular among voters, including those living in households with guns, with a majority supporting such measures.
Q & A

  • What is the common political response to mass shootings in America?

    -The common political response to mass shootings in America is to require background checks for anyone who wants to buy a gun.

  • What is the issue with the existing background check system according to the script?

    -The existing background check system is broken as it is outdated and missing millions of records, which allows people with criminal records to pass the checks and purchase guns.

  • What is the difference between the current background check system and a universal background check system?

    -The current system requires background checks only at gun stores, while a universal background check system would require checks for all gun purchases, including those from unlicensed dealers at gun shows or private sales.

  • What is the average time taken by the FBI to respond to a background check request?

    -The average time taken by the FBI to respond to a background check request is 108 seconds.

  • What are the limitations of the background check system in preventing gun violence?

    -The background check system is limited because it only checks 'good' people and 'already bad' people, missing those who haven't done anything bad yet but might do something bad in the future. It also fails to prevent criminals from acquiring firearms due to incomplete and missing records.

  • What is the alternative to the background check system that the script suggests might help solve America's gun crisis?

    -The script suggests that a licensing system, which is more comprehensive and includes additional steps such as firearm safety courses, applications, references, and checks with local law enforcement and mental health departments, might help solve America's gun crisis.

  • How does the licensing system differ from the background check system in terms of preventing gun violence?

    -The licensing system is more comprehensive, involving additional steps that not only identify and screen out people who shouldn't have guns but also reduce impulsive gun purchases, potentially preventing individuals who might harm themselves or others from acquiring firearms.

  • What is the success rate of the licensing system in Massachusetts?

    -In Massachusetts, the licensing system has a success rate of about 97%, with most people passing the process and obtaining a firearm.

  • What are the effects of implementing a licensing system according to the script?

    -According to the script, implementing a licensing system, as seen in Connecticut, led to a drop in gun homicides and gun suicides over a 10-year period.

  • How does the script describe the public opinion on the licensing system?

    -The script describes public opinion as largely supportive of the licensing system, with more than two-thirds of voters who live in a house with a gun and more than three-quarters of all Americans supporting it.

  • What is the script's final argument regarding the effectiveness of background checks and licensing in preventing gun violence?

    -The script argues that while background checks are intended to stop bad people from getting guns but often fail, licensing picks up that slack by ensuring people are not getting firearms when they shouldn't have them in a much better and stronger way.

Outlines
00:00
🔎 The Flaws of Universal Background Checks

This paragraph discusses the common response to mass shootings in America: the call for universal background checks for gun purchases. It acknowledges the general public support for such checks but argues that they are ineffective in solving the gun crisis due to the broken existing system. The speaker explains how background checks work, comparing two types of potential gun buyers: one with a criminal record and one without. The current system allows for a quick FBI check but is criticized for its outdated database, which lacks millions of records, leading to known criminals being able to purchase firearms. Studies are cited to show that universal background checks do not reduce gun deaths, and the paragraph concludes by suggesting an alternative solution that might be more effective.

05:04
🛡️ The Effectiveness of Gun Licensing Systems

The second paragraph focuses on an alternative to background checks: gun licensing systems, which are more comprehensive and have been implemented in twelve states and Washington, DC. The paragraph outlines the process in Massachusetts as an example, where potential gun owners must complete a firearm safety course, submit an application with references, and undergo a thorough background check involving local law enforcement and mental health departments. This system is praised for its ability to better identify and screen out individuals who should not own guns and for reducing impulsive gun purchases. Evidence from Connecticut and Missouri is presented to show the impact of licensing systems on reducing gun homicides and suicides. The paragraph concludes by highlighting the popularity of licensing systems among voters, including those who live in homes with guns, and asserts that licensing is a more effective solution than background checks in preventing firearms from falling into the wrong hands.

Mindmap
Keywords
💡mass shooting
A mass shooting refers to an incident where multiple people are shot and killed, typically in a public place, by a single shooter or a small group of shooters. In the context of the video, mass shootings are the catalyst for the discussion on gun control and background checks in America. The script mentions mass shootings to highlight the urgency and relevance of the issue being discussed.
💡background check
A background check is a process conducted to verify the criminal history, mental health, and other relevant information of an individual before they are allowed to purchase a firearm. The video's theme revolves around the effectiveness of background checks and the proposal for universal background checks to prevent gun violence. The script discusses how the current system is flawed and how universal background checks could potentially work.
💡universal background checks
Universal background checks imply that every potential gun buyer, regardless of where the purchase is made (e.g., gun store, gun show, private sale), must undergo a background check. The script argues that while almost every American supports this measure, it may not be sufficient to solve America's gun crisis, suggesting that there are inherent problems with the system.
💡FBI instant background check
The FBI instant background check is a system that provides a quick response (average of 108 seconds) to determine if a potential gun buyer has a criminal record or other disqualifying factors. The video explains how this system works and its limitations, such as outdated records and missing data, which can lead to dangerous individuals obtaining firearms.
💡database
In the context of the video, a database refers to the collection of records used to perform background checks on potential gun buyers. The script points out that the FBI's database is outdated and missing millions of records, which undermines the effectiveness of background checks in preventing gun violence.
💡gun crisis
The term 'gun crisis' in the video refers to the epidemic of gun violence and firearm-related deaths in America. The script suggests that while background checks are intended to prevent criminals from obtaining guns, they do not necessarily address the broader issue of the gun crisis.
💡licensing system
A licensing system is a more comprehensive approach to gun control that involves additional steps beyond a simple background check. As described in the script, the licensing system in Massachusetts requires a firearm safety course, an application with references, fingerprints, and checks with local law enforcement and mental health departments. The video argues that such a system is more effective in preventing gun violence.
💡firearm safety course
A firearm safety course is a mandatory educational program that must be completed before an individual can obtain a gun license in some states. The script mentions this as part of the licensing system in Massachusetts, emphasizing the importance of educating gun owners about safe handling and usage of firearms.
💡impulse control
Impulse control in the context of the video relates to the ability of a licensing system to prevent impulsive gun purchases, which can be a factor in gun violence. The script suggests that the process of obtaining a license can delay or deter individuals who may be considering using a firearm impulsively, such as in cases of self-harm or harm to others.
💡Connecticut
Connecticut is mentioned in the script as an example of a state that implemented a licensing system in 1995 and subsequently saw a significant drop in gun homicides and suicides. This example is used to illustrate the potential effectiveness of licensing systems in reducing gun violence.
💡Missouri
Missouri is contrasted with Connecticut in the script, as it had a licensing system but abolished it in 2007. The video notes that in the decade following the repeal of the licensing system, Missouri experienced a significant increase in homicides and gun suicides, suggesting a correlation between the absence of such systems and increased gun violence.
Highlights

Politicians often propose background checks after mass shootings.

Some Republicans support background checks for gun purchases.

The existing background check system is acknowledged to be broken.

Universal background checks are favored by most Americans.

Universal background checks may not solve America's gun crisis.

Background checks involve an FBI instant check against a database.

The FBI database is outdated and missing millions of records.

Background checks can fail to prevent prohibited individuals from obtaining guns.

Studies show universal background checks do not affect gun deaths.

Licensing systems are implemented in twelve states and Washington, DC.

Licensing systems require a firearm safety course and a thorough background check.

Licensing can effectively identify and screen out people who shouldn't have guns.

Licensing systems reduce impulsive gun purchases.

Connecticut saw a drop in gun homicides and suicides after implementing a licensing system.

Missouri experienced a spike in homicides and suicides after ending its licensing system.

Licensing is popular among voters, including those living in a house with a gun.

Licensing is seen as a more effective solution than background checks alone.

Transcripts

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Related Tags
Gun ControlBackground ChecksLicensing SystemsFirearm SafetyMental HealthDomestic ViolenceCriminal RecordsGun DeathsLegislation ImpactPublic Opinion