The hottest Gun Control Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top U.S. Politics Topics

HWFO Reading List, February 2025

Handwaving Freakoutery • 147 implied HN points • 21 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Gun Control Culture Wars Civil Rights Political Rhetoric Social Issues
  1. Spiking articles can be a way to maintain quality and ensure only the best thoughts are shared. It's okay to keep some content private if it doesn't meet your standards.
  2. There's a belief that guns could eventually be a unifying social force rather than a divisive one. However, acknowledging the historical context and issues surrounding gun ownership is important.
  3. Participating in discussions about complex issues, even if some ideas aren't suitable for publication, can still provide valuable insight and foster community engagement.

OSD 313: How many guns is a lot of guns? Let’s do the math.

Open Source Defense • 56 implied HN points • 18 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Gun Control Legislation Public Safety Political Analysis
  1. Buying 34 guns in just five months is very unusual, but not impossible given the size of the gun-owning population. Some very dedicated collectors might purchase in large quantities over time.
  2. The lawsuit against gun sellers for this buyer was dismissed because each seller had no reason to suspect he was a straw purchaser. They had little information due to his spreading purchases across multiple stores.
  3. Even though some people do buy a lot of guns quickly, it's a small portion of gun owners. Selling to responsible buyers while preventing illegal purchases is a tough balance for sellers.

Does watching gun sports increase gun sales?

Random Acts of Medicine • 99 implied HN points • 25 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Gun Control Legislation Public Policy Social Issues Cultural Trends
  1. Watching gun sports at events like the Olympics might lead some people to try shooting sports, but it doesn't seem to cause a big overall increase in gun sales.
  2. Gun sales usually go up during certain seasons, like hunting seasons or holidays, and they've also spiked after events that cause fear, like elections or mass shootings.
  3. Even if there were an increase in sales due to the Olympics, it would be hard to tell if it was because of the games or other events happening at the same time, like presidential elections.

Why American Cities (Actually) Suck

The Discourse Lounge • 1348 implied HN points • 31 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Urban Policy Crime Rates Infrastructure Gun Control Social Issues
  1. Many American cities struggle because of poor political support and funding for urban infrastructure. Unlike some other countries, America often neglects its cities, leading to issues like poverty and crime.
  2. Increased policing alone won't solve the problems in American cities. Issues like gun violence and bad transportation systems need to be addressed holistically.
  3. To make cities better, America could learn from European and Asian approaches to urban planning and social welfare. Improving community support and organizing urban services better could lead to healthier, safer cities.

Trump on Latest School Shooting: ‘Get over it’

Steady • 27850 implied HN points • 09 Jan 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Gun Control School Shootings Donald Trump Legislation
  1. Former President Donald Trump's response to the latest school shooting was to 'get over it', sparking controversy.
  2. The issue of school shootings is a significant concern, with an increase in incidents and the need for stronger gun laws.
  3. Individuals can take action by advocating for stronger gun laws, engaging with elected officials, and participating in peaceful protests.
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A failure of courage in Uvalde

Lucian Truscott Newsletter • 4697 implied HN points • 18 Jan 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Gun Control Law enforcement School Safety
  1. At a shooting incident in Uvalde, Texas, 370 police officers hesitated to confront an 18-year-old shooter with an AR-15 style rifle, citing fear.
  2. The incident highlighted a failure of leadership, training, planning, and execution in law enforcement.
  3. The case raises questions about open carry laws and the ability to protect schools from potential threats.

How I Stopped Hating Guns

Disaffected Newsletter • 679 implied HN points • 12 Jun 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Gun Control Self defense Government Role Mental health
  1. The author had a history of hating guns but began to rethink this perspective after personal experiences and conversations with a friend.
  2. Having a gun in the house made the author feel uneasy at first, but they took a step towards embracing self-reliance.
  3. The author realized that understanding guns was important for feeling more secure and less dependent on government protection.

The Curious Case of Luigi Mangione

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 296 implied HN points • 11 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Crime Law Public Safety Gun Control Health Policy
  1. Luigi Mangione was caught after a customer at McDonald's recognized him following the murder of UnitedHealthcare's CEO. It's surprising that someone like him could be involved in such a serious crime.
  2. He had a 3D-printed gun and a handwritten manifesto when he was arrested. This raises questions about his motives and planning.
  3. The case has turned people into amateur detectives as they tried to follow the story. It shows how we are often drawn into real-life mysteries.

The six-minute video speaks louder than words

Garrison Keillor and Friends • 3714 implied HN points • 31 Mar 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Law enforcement Gun Control Political Response Election 2024
  1. Watching the six-minute video of police responding to a school shooting shows their professional courage and dedication.
  2. Politicians who fail to address dangers faced by first responders exhibit cowardice.
  3. The importance of responsible gun control and the need for a holistic approach to understanding and preventing gun violence.

Could the world BE more fucked up?

So Here’s a Thing • 1828 implied HN points • 05 Nov 23
🌍 World Politics Israel Palestine Gun Control Mass Shootings Mental health
  1. The world is facing challenging, contentious, and seemingly unsolvable issues that need to be discussed to find solutions and understand different perspectives.
  2. The conflict between Israel and Gaza is heartbreaking, and it's important to show compassion for innocent lives affected by the atrocities committed by power-hungry individuals.
  3. The debate around gun control in the United States is complex, emotional, and requires open conversations to find common ground and work towards addressing the root problems.

OSD 303: Why isn’t there more violence?

Open Source Defense • 52 implied HN points • 09 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Gun Control Crime Rates Public Policy Culture
  1. Laws alone don't heavily influence crime rates; many other factors play a significant role. Neighborhoods with the same laws can show huge differences in violence rates due to social and cultural differences.
  2. Most people choose not to engage in violence because they have better life choices and moral values. It's a positive sign that people's personal choices, rather than just laws, limit violence.
  3. Issues like gun misuse are not just about making laws tougher but about changing cultural attitudes toward violence. Making misuse culturally unthinkable can be more effective than focusing solely on legislation.

OSD 304: The copycat effect and that which must not be named

Open Source Defense • 38 implied HN points • 17 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Gun Control Media influence Public Safety Social Issues
  1. Talking about violent events can sometimes lead to more similar events happening, known as the copycat effect. It's important to raise awareness but to be careful with how we discuss it.
  2. Media attention on mass shootings often makes the shooters more famous, which can inspire others to commit similar acts. Limiting this coverage may help reduce future incidents.
  3. When discussing tragic events, it's best to avoid sharing the names or details of the perpetrators. Instead, focus on the victims and positive actions taken during the crisis.

The 2nd Amendment's Misconstrued 'Militia'

Stark Realities with Brian McGlinchey • 857 implied HN points • 01 Apr 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Second Amendment Gun Control National Guard Constitutional Rights
  1. The Bill of Rights sets prohibitions against the government infringing on pre-existing human rights.
  2. The Second Amendment explicitly recognizes the right of the people to keep and bear arms, not just for those in militias.
  3. Today's National Guard, under federal control, does not serve as a militia in the sense of the Second Amendment.

Global Media Award Finalist: Inside a month of America's school shootings

School Shooting Data Analysis and Reports • 79 implied HN points • 25 Mar 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Gun Control School Shootings Journalism Policy Data Collection
  1. The project highlighted the challenges of collecting data on school shootings and the personal stories affected by gun crimes.
  2. The collaboration between The Economist and David Riedman is shedding light on school swatting incidents.
  3. The success of the project demonstrated the effectiveness of combining video reporting, data journalism, and traditional reporting in storytelling.

New Grand Jury evidence from Richneck Elementary school shooting

School Shooting Data Analysis and Reports • 59 implied HN points • 11 Apr 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Gun Control School Safety Law enforcement Judicial system Crime Prevention
  1. A 6-year-old student attempted to shoot his teacher a second time, highlighting the importance of considering elementary school students in school security measures.
  2. School shooting incident revealed lapses in security procedures, such as doors being locked hindering police response and potential prevention of further harm.
  3. School staff need proper training and systems in place to handle emergencies effectively, like searching for weapons or sending timely alerts to parents.

Near Miss Report: Police shoot at student inside Mesquite, TX high school

School Shooting Data Analysis and Reports • 79 implied HN points • 01 Mar 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Gun Control Law enforcement Safety measures
  1. This incident at Mesquite, TX high school involving a student with a gun showcased multiple failures that led to the escalation of the situation.
  2. The initial situation was a teen in crisis with a weapon in a contained area, not an active shooter scenario, showing the importance of accurate information in such critical events.
  3. The three phases of the incident - pre-police arrival, police arrival in the office, and police firing at the armed student - highlighted the risks inherent in such intense situations.

Why TSA-style security doesn't work for schools

School Shooting Data Analysis and Reports • 39 implied HN points • 30 Apr 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Security Schools Gun Control Safety Budget
  1. Having teachers perform security screenings at schools can be ineffective due to lack of training and time constraints.
  2. Failure in school security protocols can lead to dangerous situations such as students sneaking weapons past metal detectors.
  3. Implementing TSA-style security at schools is impractical due to the scale of students, cost, and physical infrastructure required.

America's Rogues in Robes

Diane Francis • 599 implied HN points • 27 Jun 22
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Supreme Court Gun Control Abortion rights Political Bias Public Opinion
  1. America's Supreme Court is seen as biased and out of touch with public opinion, especially regarding issues like abortion and gun control. Many Americans support these rights, but the Court's decisions reflect political gains instead.
  2. The Supreme Court's recent rulings are causing concern over social unrest and safety, as they may encourage more gun carry rights while limiting abortion access. This creates a more dangerous environment for individuals in the country.
  3. There's a growing divide in America, with differing access to abortion based on state laws. Many people feel frustrated and are encouraged to vote for candidates who support their rights, hoping to change the current direction.

What is a Machine Gun?

The Apéritif • 19 implied HN points • 15 Jun 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Gun Control Supreme Court Public Policy Justice System
  1. The Supreme Court has ruled that bump stocks are not classified as machine guns, allowing them back on the streets. This decision is based on a specific interpretation of what a machine gun is according to a 1934 law.
  2. Bump stocks help a shooter fire quickly by using the rifle's recoil, but the definition of automatic firing depends on how the trigger is activated. The ruling claims that using a bump stock requires a different method than what is defined as automatic firing.
  3. The debate over bump stocks raises important questions about defining objects in law. It highlights the need to consider how items are used rather than just their physical parts, especially when it comes to safety and regulation.

We still know what the problem is

Science Forever • 159 implied HN points • 15 Feb 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Gun Control Education National Security Policy
  1. Gun violence in the United States is not primarily a mental health issue, but a result of easy access to firearms supported by politicians misinterpreting the Second Amendment.
  2. Ensuring physical safety on university campuses is crucial for fostering a conducive environment for learning and innovation.
  3. The presence of firearms on campuses and in communities poses a competitiveness disadvantage for the U.S. in the global arena and undermines progress in academic and scientific fields.

The American Mass Murder

Diane Francis • 519 implied HN points • 11 Jul 22
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Gun Control Public Safety Cultural analysis Law enforcement
  1. Mass shootings in America are unique and frequent, often committed by young males who feel like failures in society. They seek vengeance, not necessarily due to insanity, but due to feelings of being aggrieved.
  2. America's gun laws are outdated and reflect a deeper culture of violence and hyper-masculinity. Other countries with similar gun ownership do not experience mass shootings at the same level because their cultures respond to societal failures differently.
  3. Media and entertainment contribute to the normalization of violence and mass shootings. Without significant changes in gun laws and cultural attitudes, the cycle of violence is likely to continue.

Guns vs. Knives: Five times (5x) more shootings at schools in 2023

School Shooting Data Analysis and Reports • 79 implied HN points • 02 Jan 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Violence Gun Control School Safety
  1. Despite knives being easily accessible, schools experienced 5 times more shootings than stabbings in 2023.
  2. Shootings at schools had a higher fatality rate and more victims compared to stabbings.
  3. Security measures in schools face challenges detecting knives, which are small and easily concealable, potentially impacting the prevalence of gun violence.

Kyle Slaughterhouse

Diane Francis • 579 implied HN points • 25 Nov 21
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Justice System Gun Control Civil Rights Self defense Violence
  1. A Wisconsin jury found Kyle Rittenhouse not guilty, ruling that he acted in self-defense. This decision raised concerns about safety in America.
  2. Rittenhouse used an automatic rifle during a chaotic situation, where he killed two people and injured another. Many people are worried about the implications of this case.
  3. The events took place during riots in Kenosha, which shows how violence can escalate during protests. This makes discussions about gun laws and self-defense even more important.

Commentator

Castalia • 119 implied HN points • 07 May 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Gun Control Public Health International relations Political Commentary
  1. The recent school shooting in Serbia shows that gun violence is a global issue, not just an American one. Even after such tragedies, countries often take steps to control gun ownership more effectively.
  2. The death of Jordan Neely on the NYC subway highlights the complexities surrounding public safety and mental health. Many people want to help but are unsure of how to intervene safely in stressful situations.
  3. AI technology is advancing quickly, raising serious concerns among its creators about potential risks. Experts feel it's important for governments to step in and regulate the technology before it negatively impacts society.

The United States of Anarchy

Diane Francis • 559 implied HN points • 25 Mar 21
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Gun Control Mass Shootings Political culture Public Policy
  1. Gun violence is a huge problem in the U.S., with mass shootings happening frequently and laws not changing much afterwards. Many find it easier to buy guns than to vote or drink beer.
  2. Many mass shooters are men who have a deep attachment to guns, often stemming from feelings of insecurity about their masculinity and societal role. This cultural issue is tied to their identity and coping mechanisms.
  3. Other countries have successfully reduced gun violence through stricter regulations, but in the U.S., debates over gun rights often lead to shouting matches without real solutions being implemented.

OSD 262: Shoot until the acorn is neutralized

Open Source Defense • 56 implied HN points • 27 Feb 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Police Gun Control Training Law enforcement
  1. In high-pressure situations, individuals may react in unexpected ways due to fear and stress, leading to mistakes.
  2. Training with real-life scenarios and incorporating resistance can help improve performance and decision-making.
  3. Approach training with humility and a willingness to learn, as expertise comes from consistent practice and adaptation.

Show Me Stupid

Diane Francis • 379 implied HN points • 09 Aug 21
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political critique Government Policy Public Health Gun Control Social justice
  1. Missouri, once known for its common sense, has shifted politically and now struggles with logic and skepticism in its governance.
  2. The state's government, particularly under Governor Mike Parson, has been criticized for rejecting science-based measures like mask mandates during the COVID-19 pandemic.
  3. High-profile pardons for controversial figures, like the McCloskeys, highlight a disparity in justice, where wealthy individuals receive leniency while others face harsh penalties.