WHBQ-TV Channel 13 had a lengthy segment tonight on gun violence. It is one time I wish I had a DVR. I would like to review what was said. I did hear the number 40,000 used in the segment. I hate to say or imply anything without knowing the specifics.

Therefore, I went to the internet. I found that Statista reports an average of 50,000 deaths from firearms per year. The numbers are close, though I don’t know how much one has to do with the other.

According to DEA reports, over 107,000 deaths were attributed to fentanyl in 2024. This is a staggering number that does not involve any gunshots or bullets, which is far higher than the number of deaths caused by shootings.

Let’s add a little unknown factor. How many of those shootings involve drug-related activities? My wild guess, at least a quarter.

So, let’s look at the cold, hard facts. If people stop shooting people, it would save 50,000 lives. Wonderful! Great! If we stop the drugs, over twice that many lives would be saved.

Yet the conversations about guns on TV and radio are very common. On the other hand, drug abuse rarely gets a mention.

Do you think that is by accident? I am sure it is intended.

And so it is. Every year we lose more people than in all the long years of Vietnam. Is this your idea of proper priorities?