Harry L. Wilson

Harry L. Wilson (born 1957) is a Pennsylvania State University and Rutgers University alumni. He was employed as a bartender during his undergraduate and graduate school time. Alumnus, is professor of political science at Roanoke College. and director of the college’s Center for Community Research He is the author of the book, Guns, Gun Control, and Elections: The Politics and Policy of Firearms (Rowman & Littlefield Publishing Group, Inc, 2006).

Guns, Gun Control, and Elections explains how current gun control policy was adopted by discussing the roles and interactions of elected officials, interest groups, political parties, and the citizens. By examining arguments for and against stricter gun control, the book helps the reader interpret and understand current research on guns and their uses and gun control.

The book provides insights into how the public perceives the issue of guns and gun control and how the issue is portrayed in the news media. In both instances, Wilson’s conclusions, based on his own research, differ to some degree from the conventional wisdom. For example, while the public tends to support various forms of gun control legislation, they hold out little hope that such laws will reduce gun violence. Coverage of the issue in the national news media tends to be mostly objective, but when there is a bias it is almost always in favor of gun control. While the National Rifle Association receives a great deal of attention in the news, its portrayal is much more likely to be negative than positive.

Wilson devotes a chapter of the book specifically to gun policy in the Commonwealth of Virginia A sabbatical in 2003 provided Wilson the time to attend several Virginia General Assembly sessions where he interviewed legislators and lobbyists. According to Wilson, because of Virginia’s proximity to the nation’s capital and the diversity of its citizens, and because it is home to the National Rifle Association, the state is in a position to influence national gun control policy.

Wilson views guns as “tools” that may be used for recreation, protection, or crime, with the purpose being defined by the gun’s owner. Self admittedly his conclusions lean towards arguments for gun rights. Guns, Gun Control, and Elections offers insight into the complexities of the issues and constituents that drive gun policy decisions. Wilson challenges the reader to think about the issues.

“A wonderful introduction to the far-reaching significance of fire-arms in America, Wilson’s work is a very good supplement for an Introduction to American Politics class” writes John M. Bruce, associate professor of political science, at the University of Mississippi.

External links

• Dr. Harry L. Wilson at Roanoke College
• Professor Publishes Book on Gun Control, Roanoke College news item on Guns, Gun Control, and Elections