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In reply to the discussion: 'My sister shot herself': 5-year-old dies playing with father’s unsecured handgun [View all]Sancho
(9,065 posts)8. People Control, Not Gun Control
This is my generic response to gun threads where people are shot and killed by the dumb or criminal possession of guns. For the record, I grew up in the South and on military bases. I was taught about firearms as a child, and I grew up hunting, was a member of the NRA, and I still own guns. In the 70s, I dropped out of the NRA because they become more radical and less interested in safety and training. Some personal experiences where people I know were involved in shootings caused me to realize that anyone could obtain and posses a gun no matter how illogical it was for them to have a gun. Also, easy access to more powerful guns, guns in the hands of children, and guns that werent secured are out of control in our society. As such, heres what I now think ought to be the requirements to possess a gun. Im not debating the legal language, I just think its the reasonable way to stop the shootings. Notice, none of this restricts the type of guns sold. This is aimed at the people who shoot others, because its clear that they should never have had a gun.
1.) Anyone in possession of a gun (whether they own it or not) should have a regularly renewed license. If you want to call it a permit, certificate, or something else that's fine.
2.) To get a license, you should have a background check, and be examined by a professional for emotional and mental stability appropriate for gun possession. It might be appropriate to require that examination to be accompanied by references from family, friends, employers, etc. This check is not to subject you to a mental health diagnosis, just check on your superficial and apparent gun-worthyness.
3.) To get the license, you should be required to take a safety course and pass a test appropriate to the type of gun you want to use.
4.) To get a license, you should be over 21. Under 21, you could only use a gun under direct supervision of a licensed person and after obtaining a learners license. Your license might be restricted if you have children or criminals or other unsafe people living in your home. (If you want to argue 18 or 25 or some other age, fine. 21 makes sense to me.)
5.) If you possess a gun, you would have to carry a liability insurance policy specifically for gun ownership - and likely you would have to provide proof of appropriate storage, security, and whatever statistical reasons that emerge that would drive the costs and ability to get insurance.
6.) You could not purchase a gun or ammunition without a license, and purchases would have a waiting period.
7.) If you possess a gun without a license, you go to jail, the gun is impounded, and a judge will have to let you go (just like a DUI).
8.) No one should carry an unsecured gun (except in a locked case, unloaded) when outside of home. Guns should be secure when transporting to a shooting event without demonstrating a special need. Their license should indicate training and special carry circumstances beyond recreational shooting (security guard, etc.). If you are carrying your gun while under the influence of drugs or alcohol, you lose your gun and license.
9.) If you buy, sell, give away, or inherit a gun, your license information should be recorded.
10.) If you accidentally discharge your gun, commit a crime, get referred by a mental health professional, are served a restraining order, etc., you should lose your license and guns until reinstated by a serious relicensing process.
Most of you know that a license is no big deal. Besides a drivers license you need a license to fish, operate a boat, or many other activities. I realize these differ by state, but that is not a reason to let anyone without a bit of sense pack a semiautomatic weapon in public, on the roads, and in schools. I think we need to make it much harder for some people to have guns.
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'My sister shot herself': 5-year-old dies playing with father’s unsecured handgun [View all]
TomCADem
May 2016
OP
Well, in addition to the Zmans, you have people who pull their gun when it's really not
Hoyt
May 2016
#62
I'm not sure I agree with that, it sounds like you are trying to paint the majority of gun owners as
Kang Colby
May 2016
#63
Diverse? Sorry man, go to a few gun shows, gun stores or ranges. Tell us what you see. How about NRA
Hoyt
May 2016
#64
I don't know where those are, but if you drove past a gun show here in Atlanta
Calista241
May 2016
#80
No doubt, as humans we feel compelled to allege instances which publicly validate our biases
LanternWaste
May 2016
#85
When parents/family are charged with involuntary manslaughter for leaving an unsecured loaded weapon
no_hypocrisy
May 2016
#6
Apparently we need more bullet-blooded kids' bodies before the gun-defenders will finally get it!
sanatanadharma
May 2016
#42
It sounds to me like he carried his gun with him whereever he went (except the shower)...
C Moon
May 2016
#7
Nothing the Supreme Court has ever done could legally be considered unconstitutional.
Calista241
May 2016
#79
Congress banned marketing of civilian rifles under 19 scary names in '94, but banned no guns,
benEzra
May 2016
#73
The fallacy in your presentation is the assumption that a license means the holder will act in
Hoppy
May 2016
#36
Thank Jeebus the father AND the child didn't forfeit their gawd-given 2A right to protect
valerief
May 2016
#9
No one has a right to own an unsafe gun. They need to take classes, pass a test and have insurance.
McCamy Taylor
May 2016
#40
Guy needs to: go to jail, lose custody of remaining kids, forfeit right to own guns.
Feathery Scout
May 2016
#45