"In truth, attempts to regulate the civilian possession of firearms have five political functions. They
(1) increase citizen reliance on government and tolerance of increased police powers and abuse;
(2) help prevent opposition to the government;
(3) facilitate repressive action by government and its allies;
(4) lessen the pressure for major or radical reform; and
(5) can be selectively enforced against those perceived to be a threat to government." | by: | Raymond G. Kessler
Lawyer, sociologist, professor Dept. of Criminal Justice, Sul Ross State University |
Source: | "Gun Control and Political Power", Law and Policy Quarterly, Vol. 5 (July) 1988, pp. 381-400 |
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