Silly “Science” and Sick Journalism

Meleanie Hain of Lebanon used to tell the news media that she carried a Glock 26 pistol everywhere she went to protect herself and her children. Then last week she was shot to death by her husband in what police called a murder-suicide.

Melanie Hain should have nothing to do with this article. She was murdered by a psycho-cop and she reportedly didn’t have any means of self-defense within her reach. This was a tragedy that has been reported with little regard to domestic violence or her struggle to leave. If anything, her tragedy should prompt some sort of overhaul on domestic violence awareness.

Instead, Faye Fate of the Philadelphia Inquirer decides to open up her article with her death. Fantastic. Better yet? It’s about a study that appears to focus on “research” with sloppy science and statistics.  Charles C. Branas authored the paper titled, “Will possessing a firearm always safeguard against harm or will it promote a false sense of security?” in the American Journal of Public Health.  I’m waiting for my .pdf.  When I do, I’ll be sure to check out the “statistics.”  For now, you may read Wesley Elsberry’s analysis.