Stossel makes a point to include this in order to prove that an extra law on guns won't be able to stop whoever is determined to commit the crime in the first place. .
Throughout the article, Stossel primarily relies on the use of Logos to get his point across. On more than one occasion, he appeals to readers by using logical reasoning in order to persuade them into his beliefs. For example, Stossel writes "No one intent on murder will be stopped by the prospect of committing a lesser crime like illegal possession of a firearm" (NYSun.com). He uses common sense and reason to make a strong argument against strict gun laws. "Criminals don't attack people they know are armed and anyone thinking of committing mass murder is likely to be attracted to a gun free zone, such as schools and malls"(Stossel, NYSun.com). Depending on logic once again, Stossel backed up his point with real life scenarios, particularly the Columbine and Virginia Tech school massacres. .
John Stossel doesn't rely solely on the Logos method, however. Traces of Pathos can also be found throughout Stossel's article, particularly his addition of Tom Palmers quote, "You can call the Police if you want, and they'll get there, and they'll take a picture of your dead body. But they can't get there in time to save your life. The first line of defense is you" (NYSun.com) Stossel makes sure to include that quote in order to reach out to readers by the use of Pathos. He uses the power of emotion to instill fear in the public who don't own a firearm to protect themselves with, proving to be an effective persuasion tactic. .
In his article, John Stossel writes that "Government may promise to protect us from criminals, but it cannot deliver on that promise. If you are the target of a crime, one other person besides the criminal is sure to be at the scene; you. There is no good substitute for self-responsibility" (NYSun.