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Federation Position On WCAX Gun Poll On Thursday, February 28, WCAX broadcast a story in which it published the results of a poll WCAX had commissioned from Research 2000. Those sampled in the poll were asked the question: Would you favor or oppose the state passing legislation to restrict the sale or ownership of guns?" WCAX reported the poll results showed strong support favoring new gun control legislation. WCAX related the poll showed 57 percent answered in favor, 35 percent in opposition and 8 percent not sure. The poll WCAX commissioned did not offer the samplers a reason for enacting gun control legislation or any alternatives. Had the purpose of the poll been to determine the public preference for gun control as a solution to prevent violent crime a more viable poll question would have been: "Which do you believe is more effective in preventing violent crime: the increased enforcement of existing laws or the enactment of new laws restricting the sale or ownership of firearms?" WCAX had been covering a recent spike in crime, particularly in the Rutland area, as a gun problem. In reality this is clearly a drug-related crime problem. Yet, WCAX did not commission a poll to determine the support for enacting new laws or increasing the sentences for violent crime or selling drugs. The WCAX poll question was crafted from the presumption that somehow the Vermont legislature enacts laws based upon poll results. Fortunately, this is a misconception. Freedoms are not restricted based upon the results of polls. WCAX, which is completely dependent upon the rights of freedom of expression and freedom of the media, should well understand that fact.