Originally Posted by ruchase

What I see in this thread are mostly informed, opinionated & responsible people, who agree to disagree on a passionate topic. While I own a handgun, I believe I would be equally fine without one. I grew up in Africa on a coffee farm, and we've been robbed more than once. One time it was a political vendetta, with a contract out for my dad - had he been home, he & likely my entire family would be dead. Owning a gun would've probably got us killed had the robbers known. However, on the same note, I remember so many times my dad and I would wake up in the middle of the night and wonder who the heck was out there. A few warning shots would've solved a lot of problems on those nights.

My point is, guns have a purpose, but so do controls. The idea is we need to find that balance – where we have some safeguards to prevent nuts like this from accessing deadly weapons. If it means I will be inconvenienced, may have to pay a premium to own a gun, and may be subject to random inspections from local authorities, mental exams, etc. then so be it. I’m fine with all that as long as it helps innocent children who will undoubtedly be impacted by this, sleep better at night.