Gun Control

Gun violence has actually plunged in the U.S. since its peak in the middle of the 1990s, according to two new studies of government data.

At the same time, a majority of Americans believe it is on the rise.

Gun crime statistics are comprised of murders, assaults, robberies and other crimes, and the Pew Research Center found that they're down overall.

In less than two decades, the gun murder rate has been nearly cut in half, their research suggested, while other gun crimes fell even more sharply.

This parallels a broader drop in violent crimes committed with or without guns, which peaked during the 1990s and has fallen sharply since then.

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Who would've guessed the NRA using the Boston bombing to rail against gun control would be the second most controversial thing to come out of its annual convention.

Glenn Beck fired up the group's Houston gathering this weekend with his attacks on New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg ... who he likened to Hitler.

The head of the Anti-Defamation League called Beck's latest stunt "deeply offensive on so many levels." B'nai B'rith also called on Beck to apologize:

"Glenn Beck, the keynote speaker at the NRA's annual convention, trivializes the Holocaust by comparing New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg to Adolf Hitler."

"The casual use of Nazi imagery or words serves to undermine the atrocities of the Holocaust. Glenn Beck should apologize," the group told ABC News.

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National Rifle Association CEO Wayne LaPierre has sparked controversy, again, this time by linking the Boston bombing to the ongoing gun control debate.

In the NRA chief's view, it all boils down to a simple, rhetorical question:

"How many Bostonians wish they had a gun two weeks ago?"

"Imagine living in a large metro area where lawful firearms ownership is heavily regulated and discouraged," he said at the annual NRA convention in Houston.

"Imagine waking up to a phone call from the police, warning that a terrorist event is occurring outside and ordering you to stay inside your home."

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The first gun made from a 3D printer shot its very first bullets yesterday.

The gun, designed on a computer program and made of plastic, is designed to be easily replicated. Watch this video of the 3D-printed gun in action:

3-D Printed Gun

The gun is made by Defense Distributed, a company hoping to spread the prevalence of DIY firearms--what they call "Wiki Weapons."

3D printing technology is still in its very early stages of development and use. By constructing items from hot plastic, based on a set of plans drawn up on the computer, a user can essential create any 3D object.

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A billboard using images of Native Americans to make a pro-gun rights argument has left some Colorado residents saying the image is offensive.

The billboard, purchased by an anonymous group in Greeley, Co., shows three men dressed in traditional Native American attire and the words

"Turn in your arms. The government will take care of you."

Matt Wells, an account executive with Lamar Advertising in Denver, said Monday of those responsible: "They have asked to remain anonymous."

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Stacey Campfield is not about to apologize.

The Republican State Senator posted a photo on his blog this week that featured a pressure cooker and the words "Assault Pressure Cooker (APC)" printed below it, a reference to the items that were used for bombs last Monday at the Boston Marathon.

The post was titled "Here comes Feinstein again," a clear dig at gun control advocate Diane Feinstein, as Campfield sees hypocrisy in anyone criticizing the picture as inappropriate.

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Not long after the Senate rejected a bipartisan proposal for expanded background checks on gun sales yesterday, two women shouted "Shame on you!" from the Chamber floor.

Both women have ties to recent shootings and both were escorted from the Capital after Vice President Joe Biden called for order.

One of the critics - Patricia Maisch (pictured), who actually took the gun magazine from the hands of the man who shot Gabby Giffords and many others - explained to the press why she reacted in such a manner.

And she held nothing back:

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Within hours of the gun background check bill failing in the Senate, Paul McCartney joined the Voices of Violence campaign, making his voice heard by asking citizens to have their voice heard.

By texting "MYVOICE" to 877877, one receives automated message from the iconic rocker, after one gets connected to a U.S. senator's office.

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The U.S. Senate rejected a bipartisan amendment today that would have expanded background checks on gun purchases, according to news reports.

The defeat marks a blow to advocates calling for more strict firearms laws after the mass shooting at Sandy Hook E.S. in Newtown, Conn., last year.

The measure was a product of intense negotiations between Pennsylvania Republican Sen. Pat Toomey and West Virginia Democratic Sen. Joe Manchin.

It would have necessitated background check requirements on gun owners, and needed 60 votes to pass, which the two Senators thought it had.

It therefore failed, despite its 54-46 majority.

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Jim Carrey may be known for his sense of humor, but the actor has settled on one topic recently that is anything but a laughing matter:

Gun control.

After posting a Funny or Die video that mocked gun advocates, the actor has been under siege from many Conservatives, led, as you might expect, by Fox News.

Now, in attempt to re-open a reasonable discourse, Carrey has penned an Op-Ed for The Huffington Post.

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