Ideas change everything

A solution to gun violence found in US history

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David Farrell |

TED@UPS

• July 2018

Guns weren't always the contentious issue they are today in the US. Forty years ago, guns were primarily used for sport and recreation, and mass shootings were a rarity. Much has changed since then, and while there's a lot of debate around how to put an end to gun violence, there has yet to be a solution that everyone can agree on. Gun safety advocate David Farrell thinks he has the answer, and takes us through America's history to get there.

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Want to use TED Talks in your organization?

Guns weren't always the contentious issue they are today in the US. Forty years ago, guns were primarily used for sport and recreation, and mass shootings were a rarity. Much has changed since then, and while there's a lot of debate around how to put an end to gun violence, there has yet to be a solution that everyone can agree on. Gun safety advocate David Farrell thinks he has the answer, and takes us through America's history to get there.

Want to use TED Talks in your organization?

About the speaker

David Farrell

Gun safety advocate

David Farrell saw his share of weapons during his service as a nuclear, biological and chemical warfare specialist during the first Gulf War. During that time, he was selected to help dispose of the WWII stockpile of chemical weapons. After his service, Farrell spent the next 20 years working as a customer service manager, professional stand-up comedian and presentation, leadership and life coach. Farrell joined UPS Cartage Services in 2013, using his knowledge of people and organizations to deliver excellent customer service to UPS’s clients in Hawaii. Farrell’s fascination with the history of gun legislation has led him to rethink the entire conversation about gun control.

About TED Institute

Every year, TED works with a group of select companies and foundations to identify internal ideators, inventors, connectors, and creators. Drawing on the same rigorous regimen that has prepared speakers for the TED main stage, TED Institute works closely with each partner, overseeing curation and providing intensive one-on-one talk development to sharpen and fine tune ideas. The culmination is an event produced, recorded, and hosted by TED, generating a growing library of valuable TED Talks that can spur innovation and transform organizations.

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