Diuretic
Permanently confused
Ok, I'm not an expert on the topic, so I won't pretend to be. I am an avid gun owner. I live in South Texas and use them frequently. I would agree that gun laws are brought about in areas where they seem to have more gun crime, however, studies show that total crime-rates including gun crimes have increased once these gun laws have taken effect. Disarming law-abiding citizens leaves them unprotected...considering the police typically are a reactionary and response force. The UK has experienced this along with several U.S. cities. I read the statistics the other day but I'm trying to remember where at, If I find the source I'll post it. Criminals will get their hands on guns whether they're illegal or not. Same way with marijuana, it's illegal, you can't go down to the local supermarket and get it (legally), but it still finds its way into peoples' hands.
From what I've heard, Texas has a real lenient policy when it comes to buying guns...however, in order for an establishment to sell a firearm, they must be register with the federal government. When an individual comes in to purchase a firearm, the seller is required to identify the FBI for a background check before the buyer is even allowed to purchase the gun. If the person's background checks out (not a criminal, no prior record, etc...) they can purchase the gun. If the person has a previous criminal history, the establishment will not sell them the gun. I used to sell firearms and I had to deny an old man from buying a gun for his grandson because he was Vietnam who (at one time) had Post Tramatic Stress. To me the system is set up just fine.
People are going to kill people whether they have guns or not. People have been killing people long before guns were invented. A gun is a piece of metal that cannot think for or function by itself. Sure, I'd agree that guns make it a little easier to kill, but killings killing no matter how hard or easy it is.
Brian - the UK has had very strict (comparatively I mean) gun control laws for many, many years. The reasons for its recent rapid rise in crime are myriad but gun control isn't one of them.