Just so you know, you are arguing against a strawman or your perception of what you think liberals believe. You certainly are not arguing against anything I said as I have never stated nor suggested we ban guns, nor do I believe guns should be banned. Though wI personally believe that having a gun in the home for security gives you nothing more than a false sense of security, but if it makes you sleep better at night, more power to you. I also don't believe in studded snow tires in Colorado, but some people think they are necessary. Neither are arguments I am terribly interested in.
No, I'm sure youre a nice person that only reasonably prefers criminals to have an advantage over their victims.
(that's not what you said, but that's an implication of what you are saying)
I do believe we should ban extended clips and require background checks for ALL gun transactions. (People would be licensed to buy guns, getting the license after a background check... and sellers would be legally liable if they could not prove they saw the buyer's license). I know neither are a panacea, but I think in each case they have major benefit. I realize the violence issues at hand are very complex and I am not looking for one thing to fix it.... but, the gun constituency can concede those items.
Unfortunately, the facts are against you... You must realize that guns have a deterrent effect that is undeniable, hell, more often then not crime deterred with guns (or other weapons) is done so without using the weapon.
I've mentioned the story where I personally was about to be mugged ("guy wanting to show me a good deal in a back alley downtown"), showing the hammer in the bag I was carrying and asked him if he still wanted me in the back alley and he walked off.
A gun is SUPPOSED TO BE SCARY, or else people would only respond once shot...
Specifically though, minimize magazine size and you can just reload... Reloading can be performed in 5 seconds or less (maybe down to 1 second or less if you are trained).
Controlling sales only increases a black market, and does NOTHING about the millions of guns that are already undocumented and circulating amongst criminals.
I'll say it again, you decrease crime (you can't eliminate it) as you increase the numbers of people who are armed and trained in the use and responsibilities of firearm ownership.
Prime example, switzerland, most guns and among the least crime.
How are you gonna rob a bank when half your hostages will shoot when your back is turned??
