Wonky Pundit
USMB's Silent Snowden
Mindful of all the hoopla around gun control laws right now, I decided to weigh in for those of you who are interested in the Pundit's take on the issue.
Well before the current wave of mass shootings, I've held that Americans in general should have every right to keep as many weapons for hunting and/or personal protection as they want. I have many friends who own guns, and I've practiced with them myself. The only reasons I don't own one are (1) I have a dog, (2) I don't live in a rural area, and (3) I'd rather not deal with the headaches of keeping my skills fresh and keeping the gun cleaned and maintained.
That said, there are a few things about the current gun laws that do need to change, although most of what I'm proposing would affect only a tiny fraction of gun owners.
1) Gun licensing and registration records should be held by law enforcement and obtainable only through a warrant or subpoena.
2) Felons cannot be given or keep a license. Neither can any member of their household.
3) Anyone failing a psychiatric exam cannot be given or keep a license. The same applies if any member of their household fails or refuses to take the exam.
4) Instead of focusing on "assault weapons," there should be a ban on weapons that are designed with the primary purpose of killing more than one person in a short time (under 60 seconds). There is no logical reason for any civilian to have something like this. If you're truly concerned about multiple criminals targeting you or your home, a weapon like this isn't the answer: you need to hire an armed security detail.
Well before the current wave of mass shootings, I've held that Americans in general should have every right to keep as many weapons for hunting and/or personal protection as they want. I have many friends who own guns, and I've practiced with them myself. The only reasons I don't own one are (1) I have a dog, (2) I don't live in a rural area, and (3) I'd rather not deal with the headaches of keeping my skills fresh and keeping the gun cleaned and maintained.
That said, there are a few things about the current gun laws that do need to change, although most of what I'm proposing would affect only a tiny fraction of gun owners.
1) Gun licensing and registration records should be held by law enforcement and obtainable only through a warrant or subpoena.
2) Felons cannot be given or keep a license. Neither can any member of their household.
3) Anyone failing a psychiatric exam cannot be given or keep a license. The same applies if any member of their household fails or refuses to take the exam.
4) Instead of focusing on "assault weapons," there should be a ban on weapons that are designed with the primary purpose of killing more than one person in a short time (under 60 seconds). There is no logical reason for any civilian to have something like this. If you're truly concerned about multiple criminals targeting you or your home, a weapon like this isn't the answer: you need to hire an armed security detail.