abstract:In social psychology, the weapons effect states the mere presence, descriptors, or visual representation of a weapon may lead to an increased probability of aggressive behaviors.
Polls suggest that, after Newtown, the American public is increasingly open to measures such as a ban on assault weapons, which was in effect in the 1990s until it lapsed in 2004.
Now America must rise to the challenge of ratifying the Chemical Weapons Convention and doing it before it takes effect on April the 29th, less than three weeks from today.
At this point, however, that position is predicated on Germany being denuclearized and on NATO's renouncing any first-use of nuclear weapons -- conditions that would have the effect of jeopardizing NATO's deterrent capability and eliminating the U.S. force presence in Central Europe.