Originally Posted by davidmash

Are you arguing that the innocents that are shot each year (regardless of the percentage of the 9,500) are acceptable losses for a free society? Serious question, not trying to be snarky.

I have heard the argument here that if you take away the guns they will find another way to accomplish their goal. Perhaps but since we have never taken away the guns I do not see where that theory has been proven in any way. I have heard the argument that we need to enforce the laws that exist. Depending upon where you live that may or may not work. Here in TX there really are not many laws to enforce. I can sell a gun to who ever I want and no one cares.

I have yet to hear any proposal from the NRA et-al that deals with preventing people who should not have access to guns from gaining access to them. I have seen them shoot down nearly every idea offered but I have yet to hear the NRA folks offer a single idea. I do hear the call to arm even more people but it seems the majority of people in the US seem to think that is a bad idea. And as the NRA folks keep telling us, the bad guys will continue to do bad things and enforcing laws will only affect the people who abide by the law. Seems like there is always a convenient argument to not do anything which I think is their plan in the first place.

I am fully aware that we will never achieve a zero homicide rate but I believe if other nations can reduce their homicides to 50% or less of ours we should be capable of doing the same unless there is something inherently violent about the US or we are some how incapable of playing nice with each other.