Just saw your gun post and I was just curious. I read a really good article by a gun loving hunter the other day, who said that the problem wasn't the guns in general, but the automatic firearms which can carry up to 100 bullets in one go. He opted for just stricter rules on getting a gun (like showing how you don't have a criminal record, or a history of serious mental issues) and taking away the military style guns. How do you feel about that?
I don't own guns. I have fired a gun at a paper target in my backyard (out in the middle of nowhere) a grand total of three times. Didn't like it. Because I understood in that moment how easy it is to kill someone with it, and that terrified me. I, personally, do not want one. I, instead, own four swords, a kris, and a big knife. And they are within reach in my bedroom in the event someone decides my house needs to be burgled. That being said:
I don't think this country--"The Great US of A"--can completely abolish guns. And I don't believe we should. Too many centuries have gone by with them in our hands; too many centuries the "bad guys" have had them in their hands. To snatch them away would leave civilians defenseless against criminals who are going to use the damn things anyway. That's kind of the whole point of a criminal: be illegal and do bad shit. (But I just said I use sharp objects for defense! Yes, well, don't bring a knife to a gun fight.) And the criminals will have FAR better access to the guns since America's had them almost from day one. Guns, as seen by civilians--"good guys"--are simple deterrents from "bad guys" and for hunting.
It is when a gun falls into the hands of a psychopath, criminal, or mentally ill person that they become something else entirely. So, yes, I agree we need stricter rules for getting guns. There are already rules in place, I know, but they could be better. The system could be watched a little more carefully so that a smooth talker doesn't get away with something they shouldn't.
I understand the phrase, "Guns don't kill people, people do." Because a gun is merely a tool. GRANTED a very powerful tool, but a tool nonetheless. People who want to kill will find a way to do it. We are so focused on the asshole who SHOT all those poor, defenseless children and adults that we don't realize a man in China STABBED an almost equal number. A weapon is a weapon, and in the wrong hands it will lead to death.
But, yes, I would like stricter controls on guns. There should be a limited number to how many a person can own. (And if there already is, it should be fucking enforced 'cuz I'm getting tired of seeing 20 rifles in someone's damn basement.) And I don't think a civilian has any right to own a machine gun. We also need better education when it comes to guns. When I was a kid, we were simply told, "Don't touch a gun. Ever." Yeah, what does a kid do when its told no? It gets curious. Kinda anti-productive there.