the_imaginist Loc: St. Louis, MO

Ahh, you probably thought that I was going to say ban all guns. Not so. In reality I don't personally like guns, but would not ban all fire arms. But I do hope that Congress will pass a ban on assault weapons. I don't see the need for them in private life.

No, actually my post is about Gun Control... responsible control of the guns that you own. Lifetime responsibility of that weapon.

Here is how works;

Every firearm carries a title. Fully registered. Just like an automobile. When it's sold that ownership is transferred. All guns are titled and insured, and owners are licensed(certified) to operate. If the gun ever shows up at a crime scene or an accidental shooting, you are still held to some level of responsibility because you didn't exercise enough "control" over that firearm. (Gun safes) If you sell it, then you have to go through the same basic channels as selling a vehicle. Don't try to argue it's too complicated because it goes on every day with motor vehicles.

Insurance is mandatory..... too expensive? Take it up with the gun lobby and have them convince the insurance lobby that responsible gun ownership really is safer than automobiles.

Wellhiem Loc: Sunny England.

Some interesting points, but what about guns that are smuggled into the country?

MtnMan Loc: ID

Actually we already have data that shows it won't work to solve the mass murder problem because it does not address the cause of the problem. It just adds more hassle for the innocent.

Here's a good article on where to look for solutions:

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424127887323723104578185271857424036.html?mod=WSJ_Opinion_LEADTop

Bangee5 Loc: Louisiana

More taxes! Really?

Robert Graybeal Loc: Myrtle Beach

Again, just more laws and B.S. to impose on the law abiding citizens. Will have no effect on illegal guns or criminals.
I am sorry I don't have the mental capacity to comprehend the thinking of some people.

MtnMan Loc: ID

I don't doubt the intentions of most of them. Everyone would love to stop such horrific events.

Alas their solutions often are off track. The politicians flock to such ideas because they can take credit for doing something...even though it won't matter.

I addition to the items mentioned in the article I feel that the pushing of religion out of U.S. life and the growth of realistic mass murder games are both involved.

sloscheider Loc: Minnesota

Why mandatory insurance? Why should anyone care if I have insurance on my gun or my camera or my toaster? Even automobile insurance is silly - insure the driver not the car - some drivers are higher risk drivers while others are quite safe. The car isn't more or less dangerous, it's the driver. If I drive someone elses car why shouldn't I be responsible?

Pepper Loc: Planet Earth Country USA

Now there's a sensible post. :thumbup:

Danilo Loc: Las Vegas

Thank you, Mtn Man, you've made some quality contributions to this discussion that should be seriously considered by everyone.
Of course it's mental illness, and not guns, that is really at issue here. As stated by David Kopel in your referenced article, the ACLU has handily brought about the closing of many mental institutions in this country, giving people with mental disorders nowhere to go.
Imaginist wants to ban "assault" weapons, and I think he should. He should not allow any assault weapons in his house or on his property. All of his discussion concerning licenses, insurance, locks or safes is irrelevant, since he chooses not to own any "assault" weapons.
Incidentally, the official military definition of an "assault weapon" is: Any weapon used in an assault. There is no other credible definition.

tpx Loc: Victoria, Australia

ID like to say, here in victoria australia, we have the best gun laws in the world?you guys over there are damm crazy about guns,every household does not need guns? why

star2344 Loc: Lakewood Ranch, FLorida

Ask Eric Holder

sourdough58 Loc: Maine

Crime stats: Australia vs United States

Total crime victims Australia 30.1% vs United States 21.1%
DEFINITION: People victimized by crime (as a % of the total population). Data refer to people victimized by one or more of 11 crimes recorded in the survey: robbery, burglary, attempted burglary, car theft, car vandalism, bicycle theft, sexual assault, theft from car, theft of personal property, assault and threats. Crime statistics are often better indicators of prevalence of law enforcement and willingness to report crime, than actual prevalence.
SOURCE: UNICRI (United Nations Interregional Crime and Justice Research Institute). 2002. Correspondence on data on crime victims. March. Turin

Ranked 1st. 43% more than United States Ranked 15th.

http://www.nationmaster.com/compare/Australia/United-States/Crime

MagicFad Loc: Clermont, FL

...or existing guns that no one wants registered. No record of who has what if bought from a private source.

MagicFad Loc: Clermont, FL

...or existing guns that no one wants registered. No record of who has what if bought from a private source.

On a separate note: I like your avatar, spend much time in that position?

Robert Graybeal Loc: Myrtle Beach

Why won't people learn from history?
Australia - gun control - higher crime rate
U.S.A. - less gun control - lower crime rate
Switzerland - gov't issues guns - lowest crime rate