Mike Levin: “it is sometimes argued that ``prosecution is prevention'' when it comes to gun violence. While I agree that our gun laws…”

“it is sometimes argued that ``prosecution is prevention'' when it comes to gun violence. While I agree that our gun laws should be strictly enforced, prosecuting criminals is only part of the solution to our Nation's problems with guns. True prevention involves reducing the likelihood of death or injury before an incident occurs. In addition, it is important to recognize that prosecution has little or nothing to do with the thousands of accidental shootings and gun suicides that occur each year. Unfortunately, we have still not done enough to prevent dangerous guns from falling into the hands of potential criminals, children, and others who may intentionally or unintentionally use them to harm themselves or others. Physicians for Social Responsibility, or PSR, is a leading public policy organization made up of more than 24,000 medical and public health professionals which has been active in the fight to solve the problem of gun violence in our Nation. PSR is one of many groups who view gun violence as a ``preventable public health epidemic.'' As it states on its Web site: Public health practice focuses resources on prevention, rather than a traditional criminal justice, ``after the fact'' method of reacting to violence through arrest, conviction and incarceration of violent offenders.…”