Samuel Langhorne Clemens wrote, "Facts are stubborn things, but statistics are pliable." Most Democratic politicians will attempt to convince their constituents that violent crime in Connecticut is currently on a downward trajectory. It's a clever premise that's curiously misleading. Yes, for three consecutive years through 2019, the FBI reported the estimated number of violent crimes in the United States decreased slightly. In 2018, the Insurance Information Institute put an American's chances of dying from assault by firearm that year at one in 23,439 — or one in 298 over a lifetime.

Violent crime is defined to include four offenses: murder and non-negligent manslaughter, forcible rape, robbery and aggravated assault. 

Here in Connecticut, despite figures earlier in the year showing a decrease in the number of murders committed in Hartford, recent shooting incidents show what the Hartford Courant calls "surging gun violence." That paints a bleak picture of what's actually happening in Hartford. An explosion of gunfire with a decline in homicides points to an ever-expanding skill level from our highly-trained paramedics; they’ve become much more skilled at fixing leaks caused by the overabundance of lead-based projectiles. A bad aim combined with medical brilliance equals fewer fatalities. The bottom line here in the Constitution State is more people are being shot. 

Connecticut's progressive leadership eagerly voiced support of defunding and/or dismantling law enforcement departments, and Democrats voted lockstep to force a controversial police accountability bill handicapping law enforcement’s ability to properly protect state residents. According to six troopers I contacted, violent crime is absolutely on the rise. Each current and/or past member of the state police, I talked with separately agreed that fewer boots on the ground and a less proactive police force has resulted in a significantly reduced number of overall arrests. How many left-of-center legislators took the time from their burdensome schedules to meet or talk with current or former members of law enforcement before casting votes handcuffing police departments? 

According to NBC News, gun violence is surging in major cities, primarily affecting minorities. Almost 2,500 people have been shot in Chicago; over 1,000 in Philadelphia; and more than 800 in New York City so far in 2020. The nation's 50 largest cities are reporting homicides are up 24% this year. It is a simple fact that violent crime is on the rise, and people are reacting. 

Recently my Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram feeds have been awash with a plethora of newbie gun owners showing off their shooting skills in different ranges throughout Connecticut. Within the last week, I have counted at least a dozen posted-videos by a wide range of folks — from teachers to part-time hairdressers to full-time real estate sales agents — all of whom are honing their marksmanship skills by taking increasingly accurate shots at nameless stationary paper silhouettes. Gun shops can’t stock enough products, and firearm safety classes fill up faster than you can say “Boom!” Paul Vernotzy of "FireArms LLC" squeezed me and my wife into his five-hour training class, one overflowing with wide-eyed citizens eager to learn the basics of gun safety. These are people who, under normal circumstances, wouldn't consider owning a firearm but have been converted by the combustible landscape and now seek out means to protect themselves and their families. 

If you’re planning on acquiring your pistol and revolver permit prior to Christmas Day, though, you’re going to be sorely disappointed. Even after you pay for your safety class, write two checks to the treasurer of the state of Connecticut and one check to your town, you'll need to wait up to eight weeks for an extensive background check to proceed. If you pass the background check, you’ll be required to set an appointment at one of three state police barracks to finalize your permanent permit paperwork. According to the CT.gov website, appointments are currently booked solid until 2021. 

Politicians refusing to commit to public safety create a lackluster desire to enforce the most basic laws, emboldening the criminal element towards sanctioned anarchy. The result will inevitably be that more average Americans will arm themselves. Look around: Chances are they already have.

Lee Elci is the morning host for 94.9 News Now radio, a station that provides "Stimulating Talk" with a conservative bent.