Gun Control & RKBA
In reply to the discussion: Seattle Officials Aim for Gun-Law Changes [View all]DanTex
(20,709 posts)I said that a ban on handguns would reduce suicide, which it would. But that doesn't mean I'm necessarily in favor, nor do I think it will happen in America any time soon.
To me, a handgun ban is to gun policy what single-payer is to healthcare policy. It's in effect in several other countries, and it seems to work pretty well for them, but I'm not convinced that it's either necessary or appropriate in the US. And besides, as you point out, neither has any chance of getting through congress for the forseeable future.
But that doesn't mean they aren't worthy of discussing. I hope you wouldn't be so dismissive of someone who mentioned single payer in a discussion on healthcare policy. How about someone who thinks that inheritance taxes should be 75%? What about someone who thinks there should be a tax on carbon emissions to fight global warming? Really, even the idea of cutting subsidies for oil companies doesn't have much of a chance these days. But this is a Democratic forum, where people discuss all kinds of policy ideas even if they are further left than what has a realistic chance of passing through congress.
For the record, I'm not in favor of a handgun ban. I am in favor of licensing and registration of handguns, though.