Misty ~ First, I used to sell firearms and own a few handguns myself. Now that that is out of the way…

England and Australia are the best examples of the reduction of gun violence since barring most firearm ownership in 1996. In both cases, one must have a license and training before owning a rifle, shotgun or handgun. In both cased the number of gun related homicides have been cut by 20 to 40 percent (depending on whose poll you read). Neither country has had mass shooting in two decades. Yes, other means of attempted mass killings have been utilized, but not long-guns or handguns.

Both countries had successful buyback programs which could be incorporated in the state and/or federal law. (See: [bit.ly] Here in Missouri, we need a simple change in law to accomplish this.

The unfortunate argument concerning gun violence in the U.S. is our gun culture. Many believe it is an inalienable right to own a gun per the Second Amendment. The real argument here is the placement, or lack thereof, of a semi-colon and a coma. In 1789, there was no standardization of grammar or spelling. But as a recent federal court case in Maryland has ruled, the banning of 47 specific assault rifles and the restricting the age limit to purchase a firearm to 21 are not violations of the Second Amendment.

Banning assault weapons I am totaly for that. Making it tougher to get a gun and even raising the age limit to 21, yes that is a good move. Having to pass the background check, check. All of these are great moves to possibly help with this problem. Elliminating assualt rifles, that I support because they serve no purpose other than to kill large things, people very rapidily. Not needed by the main stream public. We can do all these things. But guns will still be available through the black market, mafia, internet, etc. Make laws tougher is the right step. This post is just saying that even though all these laws, policies are going to happen, thats not going to stop a criminal to get what he wants. They will find a way if they want it bad enough.

Apples are not oranges.

it's illegal to do so many things, people still drive without insurance, drive without a license, and when caught - The court punishes them, painfully! (but Tell me more about how we should just take laws off the books, or never write them, BECAUSE Criminals will just Break them??) which fallacy is this one, false equivalency?

After all the demands to arm US teachers, now a teacher has discharged a gun in his classroom and barricaded his door.

So much for arming the teachers, for safety..

[reuters.com]

If guns were illegal it would be harder to get one and when caught you would go to jail.