Mitch Wrote:

> Steve, correct about gun violence in NZ however
> you guys are ranked higher than the US in assault,
> rape and suicide(WTF? NZ leads the world in
> suicide).
>
> http://www.nationmaster.com/compare/New-Zealand/Un
> ited-States/Crime

Interesting but there is more to it. "Assault" seems to cover any reported physical altercation and frankly I'd rather that than the level of gun crime reported in the US. I'd rather be hit with a fist than shot with a gun! Both assault and rape figures may reflect a higher proportion of people reporting offences, that may reflect different social climates/"comfort" with law enforcement. The site recognises that.

Those suicide statistics are over 10 years old. Having lived in Denmark, I recall that it is generally regarded that Scandinavian countries have the highest suicide rates (attributed to the long winter periods) worldwide.

Using per cent figures on hugely disproportionate populations (the US is nearly 70 times more populous than NZ!) may not also be the best comparative method.

I'm not saying NZ or Denmark are perfect. No country is. I maintain that open and free access to firearms does not make for a safe society, or one that I personally would feel comfortable in. You must know people that like many on this thread do not wish to carry or hold firearms so right from the start the balance is skewed.