I agree with this. The consequences for using a gun in a crime or stealing a gun should be increased substantially. That would be a good start. Also, I do think it should be harder to get a gun. That way, the people who really want them will still be able to get them and the ones who may not care quite as much may be deterred. I would bet the longer you have to wait and the more hoops you have to jump through to get a gun, the more likley you are to be a responsible gun owner. I think that would help decrease the number of guns floating around on the streets over time. Not over night, but in the long run we would be better.

See here is where you and I have a disconnect. Guns used in robberies and murders aren't "new" guns. They are ones bought hot off the market or stolen. Most thugs aren't sporting HK's in a robbery. And have you ever purchased an hand gun? In MD you are required to wait 2 weeks for State Police background checks as well as fill out 4 forms for the government both for more checks and registration of the firearm. It isn't like you walk in, show your DL and walk out with a handgun. There are already more than enough weapons on the street to keep crime busy for another century

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An unwavering defender of those I see worth protecting.

"promote the general welfare, not provide the general welfare"

We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defence, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America.

Those guns were new once and probably stolen from an irresponsible user.

Here is my logic, the harder it is to get guns in the first place will mean that only the people who want them the most will go through the process of getting one. I feel that the people who are willing to go through this process will be more likely to be responsible gun owners. Responsible owners are more likely to lock up their guns in a safe, which will lead to less guns being stolen and filtered into the hands of people who should not own guns.

I realize that there are guns on the black market, but if we can limit the amount of new guns being filtered into the black market, then there will be less to go around and eventually it will be harder for criminals to get their hands on them. Criminals are caught with illegal guns everyday and more and more are taken off the streets. If we can limit the number of guns going into the black market in the first place and keep taking them off the streets, it should lead to a better situation in the future.

So in short, my theory is the less new guns being sold means less guns being filtered into the black market down the road. You disagree with that?

Yes, I do. There are billions of small-arms available and a vast majority not made in the USA. I seriously doubt any amount of ATF or customs would catch nearly enough to put a damper on a gun problem. Truly, I wish it was as simple as just making it more difficult to get a new gun. For a direct example, just look at Cocaine and serious drug use. These drugs in majority are not produced in the US and are completely illegal..yet prevalent.

__________________

An unwavering defender of those I see worth protecting.

"promote the general welfare, not provide the general welfare"

We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defence, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America.

That's cool. I agree that we should increase the consequences for crimes committed with guns, but I do think limiting the amount of new guns being purchased would at least be a step in the right direction in the long run.

Either way, something needs to be done because what we are doing now isn't working very well.

In KC its different. I walked in and walked out with a Glock 23C and some ammo. I filled out a couple forms and showed them my license. After a few minutes the gun store gave me the weapon...Concealed weapons license's are legal here also, so that will probably be my next move...

So here's an idea... In most places to get a handgun is just the background checks and waiting period, and to get a concealed permit you have to take a brief safety course. What if a brief safety course was put in place to get the gun to begin with, and a slightly more in depth class for the concealed permit. And I fully agree that the consequences for gun crimes (including negligence) should be higher.

I also believe motorcycle awareness classes should be given with ALL drivers tests, with safety courses to cycle drivers. (I have lost too many friends/family in bike accidents that was 100% the other persons fault by not being aware)

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2003 4.6is