bumping this back up because they are even more stupid now.
these guns are "legally obtained" even tho they were stolen ...
Wish I could get a poll down there ...
What percent of law abiding citizens have guns now
What percent of law abiding citizens will have guns after a a ban
What percent of criminals have guns now
What percent of criminals will have guns after a ban
What percentage best describes the increase in safety for criminals after a ban
What percentage best describes the increase in happiness in criminals after a ban
At least they'll have their police to protect them ....
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RIO DE JANEIRO, Brazil (Reuters) - Most of the guns used by criminals in Rio de Janeiro were initially bought by law-abiding citizens, according to a study released weeks before a national referendum on whether to ban the sale of firearms.
The findings counter claims by the gun lobby that the illegal arms trade is responsible for most shooting deaths in Brazil's tourist mecca, which has one of the world's highest urban crime rates.
Using Rio government statistics, the study by police and the Institute of Superior Studies for Religion found that 72 percent of all firearms seized between April 1999 and June 2005 were obtained legally and later fell into the hands of criminals. Only 28 percent came from the black market.
"The big news here for the debate on the referendum is that we're talking about guns that belonged to what we call good citizens," said Rubem Cesar Fernandes, a director of Vivo Rio, a nonprofit group that campaigns against violence.
"These are guns that start out legal and end up illegal, confirming that the source for criminals is the legitimate arms market," he added.
The study, released Monday, was likely to add fuel to an already fierce debate around the gun referendum set for October 23. It will be the first time any country has taken a proposed gun ban to the national ballot.
Brazil has the highest number of firearms fatalities in the world, with 36,091 people shot dead last year, according to government figures.
Initial polls suggest that most Brazilians favor a ban. Opponents argue that banning guns will do little to stop criminals while stripping ordinary citizens of their ability to defend themselves.
In an effort to ease violence, the government has tried to persuade citizens to hand over their guns in exchange for money. The so-called disarmament campaign helped cut the number of shooting deaths in Brazil last year by 8 percent, the first drop in 13 years.