Chris, some of your points concerning gun control seem to be confusing. In this case, how would any level of gun control have stopped this shooting? Registration? Permits? Background checks? What would it have done?
In the Lanza case, not much of what you listed above would have helped. Although it does not apply here, I still feel all of those regulations are extremely important and we should investigate if there are any ways to make them as effective as possible.
What may have helped in this situation is if the guns were stored properly and locked away. They were the mother's guns and her son should not have had access to them under any circumstance......no keys, no lock combos, nothing. He certainly should not have add all of that ammunition in the house either.
To be clear, I do not want to stop a responsible, sane gun enthusiast from obtaining one. I do think we need to address how guns are bought and sold. I also believe we need to make sure firearms are cared for properly after the sale.
Before the Sale:
1. 12 hrs classroom time/ 3 hrs range time prerequisite for obtaining permit
Instructor will be required to flag/fail any students who demonstrate
high risk behavior or who cannot pass an algebra test. The hands on
test will be given in October only and will involve a haunted hayride. If
you can make it through that without discharging your weapon or
wetting your pants you pass.
2. First weapon purchase will be limited to a sling shot and a box of
Whoppers.
3. New gun owners will be required to wear a red "G" on their lapel.
After the Sale:
1. Owners who lose or have their weapons stolen will be deemed
irresponsible and have their permits covered in peanut butter and fed
to my dog.
2. Large ammunition purchases will be need prior authorization from Ted
Kennedy.
3. See number 3 above. Experienced owners can lose the "G" and just
wear a Davy Crockett Coon hat.
