What is happening now isn't necessarily indicative of what happened the first time someone suggested gun control. I don't suppose they laughed much in Japan in 1588 when gun control was imposed. Were they laughing in the towns in the old West when the various sheriff's and marshals requiet visitors to turn in their guns for the duration of the visit?
Japan is a wonderful example of propaganda at work.
In 1588, Toyotomi Hideyoshi, the second of Japan's three unifiers, issued a decree. Henceforth, farmers were forbidden to carry swords or other weapons. Swords would be reserved only for the samurai warrior class.
1 Farmers of all provinces are strictly forbidden to have in their possession any swords, short swords, bows, spears, firearms, or other types of weapons.
If unnecessary implements of war are kept, the collection of annual rent (nengu) may become more difficult, and without provocation uprisings can be fomented. Therefore, those who perpetrate improper acts against samurai who receive a grant of land (kyunin) must be brought to trial and punished. However, in that event, their wet and dry fields will remain unattended, and the samurai will lose their rights (chigyo) to the yields from the fields. Therefore, the heads of the provinces, samurai who receive a grant of land, and deputies must collect all the weapons described above and submit them to Hideyoshi’s government.
(In red) Probably the last words of truth in any gun control law
2. The swords and short swords collected in the above manner will not be wasted. They will be used as rivets and bolts in the construction of the Great Image of Buddha. In this way, farmers will benefit not only in this life but also in the lives to come.
3. If farmers possess only agricultural implements and devote themselves exclusively to cultivating the fields, they and their descendants will prosper. This compassionate concern for the well‑being of the farms is the reason for the issuance of this edict, and such a concern is the foundation for the peace and security of the country and the joy and happiness of all the people... Sixteenth year of Tensho [1588], seventh month, 8th day
Thus followed the worst period of violence in Japan's history as defenceless farmers were "unified" with the samurai's right to dispatch. Do note the propaganda even in a legal document. Surprise the Buddha was never built.
Springs for turned gunman Wyatt Erp Tombstone sheriff who soiled his pants with the thought of others having a gun. Not widespread and most certainly did not apply in the mining towns.