In “Expanding the right to self-defense” (Commentary, Oct. 16), columnist Steve Chapman makes a cogent argument for self-defense but also makes a questionable statement as to the reason. He states that murders in Florida have been reduced by half since the concealed weapon law was passed in 1987.
Some may assume that the law is the explanation for the decrease in crime.
There just might be another explanation, however. Baby Boomers turned 18 starting in the mid-1960s.
By the mid-1990s Baby Boomers were over 25.
During this period there was an extraordinarily large number of young men in the country and young men are the group most prone to violent crime.
Just maybe this might have something to do with the increase in violent crime and subsequent decrease.
Every other explanation has limited, if any, validity.
