Panama gets it - except for some parts

skidmark · Aug 6, 2015

http://panampost.com/panam-staff/2015/08/05/panama-lifts-ban-on-gun-imports-amid-rising-crime-wave/

As Panama deals with increases in crime rates, forged gun permits, and rising gang activity, the government is set to lift the ban on firearm imports, in an effort to promote personal safety.

panama-guns

The UNODC estimates that an average of 700,000 firearms circulate within Panama’s streets. (Entorno Inteligente)

Public Safety Minister Rodolfo Aguilera said the country will follow in the footsteps of the United States and Switzerland, where the right to bear arms is believed to lead to fewer homicides.

“Everything seems to indicate that there is no direct correlation in the aphorism that says more guns mean more crime,” said Aguilera, who explained that relaxed gun laws have allowed the United States to reduce the homicide rate over the last 20 years.

Aguilera added that new regulations will include criminal and psychological background checks for future gun owners.

I'm hoping that they are not going to take that "psychological background checks" any farther than what the US does (as onerous as that may be).

The two money quotes:

Public Safety Minister Rodolfo Aguilera said the country will follow in the footsteps of the United States and Switzerland, where the right to bear arms is believed to lead to fewer homicides.

and

“Everything seems to indicate that there is no direct correlation in the aphorism that says more guns mean more crime,” said Aguilera,

I guess that in spite of all the BS being flung from where the anti-gun rights folks live, the truth has somehow escaped.

stay safe.

Panama gets it - except for some parts

skidmark

Campaign Veteran