Guns are a leading topic of national discourse right now. Here, we asked professional question asker, pollster Bob Meadow of Lake Research Partners, to pose his nine most important questions regarding firearms in America. We encourage you to ponder these, make notes, and send us your responses.
When current public discussion begins with limiting assault weapons, rather than how are we best kept safe in our homes, schools, and public spaces—are we asking the right questions?
ARA RAHBAR America/Flag #54/flag series (2017) Photograph by Arash Yaghmaian, courtesy of the artist
Why are rates of gun violence so much higher in the United States than they are in other developed countries, or even culturally similar countries like Canada or Australia?
JENNY HOLZER, Abuse of Power Comes As No Surprise (1982) Photograph by Lisa Kahane, courtesy of Jenny Holzer/Art Resource
Given our heritage and Constitution, can gun violence be reduced by legislation and policing without a fundamental shift in our culture? Why or why not?
BARBARA KRUGER Untitled (We don’t need another hero) (1987) courtesy of the Mary Boone Gallery © Barbara Kruger
Should we be looking for a series of small changes, or one major change, in how we address the question of guns in America? What might the change(s) be?
MATT GOAD Bolt Action Boogie (2007), courtesy of the artist
Should gun violence, as a matter of life and death, be addressed as a public-health issue, the same way we treat drug addiction, communicable diseases, smoking, and obesity?
JASPER JOHNS Flag (1967) © Jasper Johns, Licensed by VAGA, New York
What do you think of the sentiment that having a good guy with a gun is the best way to stop a bad guy with a gun?
ANDY WARHOL Guns (1981) © The Andy Warhol Foundation for the Visual Arts, Inc./Artists Rights Society (ARS)
Courts have determined that no constitutional right—even free speech—is absolute when it harms others. Should that logic apply to the availability of guns under the Second Amendment?
FORD BECKMAN POP TARGET NO. 6 (2012), courtesy of McClain Gallery
Should guns be available for purchase anywhere or from anyone, such as at gun shows or from private owners? Or should guns be available only from licensed and regulated vendors?
LAURIE SIMMONS Walking Gun (1991), courtesy of Laurie Simmons and Salon 94, New York
What could be the common ground for “pro-gun” and “gun control” advocates to engage in a dialogue to address gun violence constructively and effectively?
CARL FREDRIK REUTERSWÄRD Non-Violence (1985), Photograph by Thomas Koehler/Phototek via Getty Images