I just read an article about the murder of Catholic priests in Mexico. Apparently, this is becoming quite a problem for our southern neighbors. Four priests have been murdered this year, and 23 since 2012. The article (from the 4/24/18 edition of USA Today) also stated that Mexico had over 29,000 murders in 2017. Wait…WHAT?
To place this number in context, consider the following: According to the 2016 census, Mexico has a population of almost 128 million people. For comparison, the 2017 population of the United States was 326 million, and FBI statistics from 2016 (the most recent available year), show 17,250 homicides. It should be noted, the numbers for the United States and Mexico include all homicides, not just firearm-related homicides. The article went on to say that not only was Mexico statistically the most dangerous country in the world in which to be a Catholic priest, but that its violent crimes statistics in general were comparable to war-torn countries like Syria and Yemen.
Sixty percent less population, yet 60% more homicides. I am not sure how this is even possible, seeing how Mexico has VERY strict gun-control measures in place. For example:
-Hard limits on how many firearms (rifles, handguns, shotguns) a private citizen may own (you may only own one handgun, and nothing else, for home defense)
-It is almost impossible for the average citizen to obtain a concealed carry permit
-Not only are there bans on “military-style” weapons, but there are bans on any caliber associated with the military (past and present), i.e. 5.56×45, 7.62×51, 7.62×39, .30 carbine and .30-06
-National registration of all privately-owned firearms
-No private ownership of semi-auto handguns over .380
-No private ownership of revolvers over .38 (.38 Super is also
