The only relevant test of the validity of a hypothesis is comparison of prediction with experience.
Milton Friedman
[Friedman probably was talking about economics but, as I’m sure he knew, the statement is much more broadly applicable than that. Those that would ban or even restrict gun ownership appear to be in denial of or are oblivious to the truth of the statement.–Joe]
Friedman would say that, being a racist-sexist-bigoted-homophobe-who-wants-to-dirty-the-air-dirty-the-water-kick-old-people-out-on-the-street-with-no-food-or-medicine-and-starve-kids, but anyone with a heart knows that the only relevant test of the validity of a hypothesis is how it makes you feel.
Economics, politics, science (some overlap there) – that statement is universally true for anyone who deals in facts rather than feelings.