On April 17, the Pew Research Center published an analysis of December’s survey showing an inexorable shift toward support for gun rights instead of gun control. The group’s examination notes that, despite a long-term decline in crime rates, more Americans believe crime is rising, and looks for a connection to support for gun rights.
The study also found that reaction to rising crime is turning 180 degrees. While 25 years ago a belief that crime was rising more often resulted in a desire for gun control, belief in rising crime now results in a desire to protect gun rights (to a significant degree, the same shift occurs among those who do not believe crime is rising).
Whether Americans think crime is rising or not, more of them believe in the right to keep and bear arms. They have reached their own conclusions based on the facts, not on fears.
