Negative Space: environment

Many handgun control advocates assume that a waiting period would prevent “impulse killings.” But most domestic killings occur at night, when gun stores are closed. Most perpetrators are intoxicated with drugs and alcohol, and thus legally forbidden to buy a gun anyway. The image of a murderously enraged person leaving home, driving to a gun store, finding one open after 10 p.m. (when most crimes of passion occur), buying a weapon, and driving home to kill is a little silly. — David B. Kopel