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Harvard medical researchers just published a scholarly paper in the journal JAMA Internal Medicine, claiming that more firearm laws in a state are associated with a lower rate of gun homicides and suicides. However, examination of their data and research methods shows the opposite.

McMaster University researcher Caillin Langmann, MD, PhD noted that the Harvard authors' own best analysis:

* Does not show that states with more gun laws have fewer gun deaths

* Demonstrates that "assault weapon" bans have no effect on homicide

* Demonstrates that laws prohibiting guns in public places have no effect on homicide

Even more damning, Dr. Garen Wintemute, well known for research advocating gun control, agrees with Dr. Langmann. In his editor invited commentary Wintemute faults the Harvard authors for relying on a state gun law grading system used by the Brady Center (formerly known as Handgun Control, Inc.) and the Law Center to Prevent Gun Violence. Both of these organizations are dedicated gun control advocates. Using their political ploy in a scientific journal is disgraceful.

From: Do you favor universal background checks for gun purchases in Minnesota?

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