G*n C*ntrol: Addendum

Some readers brought up some excellent points in my recent post about g*n contr*l. I'd like to discuss some of them for a moment, if I may.

Lawyer Mama raises some excellent points about firearms security and what kind of training I would require if it were up to me.

Well, LM, left up to me, as I said before, in a world where everything was that way I wanted it, people could carry weapons, concealed or openly but would have to be licensed. I know that many people foam at the mouth over the word license, but in Gunfighter-world, I would issue a blanket "tough shit" and tell such people to quit their crying, get a license or not carry a gun. That should cut out quite a few people right there.

A) Take an IQ test, and score at least 110. NO GUNS FOR DUMMIES!

B) Complete a preliminary firearms safety course. Such a course would cover the laws, safe handling, and security of firearms.

C) Complete a demonstration of proficiency with they same type of firearm s/he would want to carry. Proficiency means demonstrating the ability to safely load and unload the weapon; laws regarding the use of deadly force - particularly "Graham v. Connor". The owner would also have to complete a course on civilian applications of force, and what s/he can legally do with said firearm. Most importantly, the owner would have to successfully complete an approved qualification course of fire, that would demonstrate the fact that said owner could be reasonably expected to operate the weapon. Said qualification would have to be conducted quarterly.

D) It would be a class 1 felony to carry, operate, or manipulate a firearm while under the influence of alcohol or any narcotic. It would also be a felony if poor security of a firearm led to the accidental or intentional death or injury of someone else.

E) Pay a substantial annual fee. This is going to cost a lot of money to administer. the people who really feel the need to do this are going to have to foot the bill.

Regarding the stupid people that do stupid things with guns... (must resist snarky comment about thinning the herd) See section A.

As for vigilantism, see section C. DO it wrong and go to prison... forever.

I agree with Fourier Analyst when she says that the genie gun is out of the bottle... it isn't going back in, so since guns are here to stay, I would do my best to make sure that they were carried legally, by people who could show that they had the smarts and responsibility to do it right.

There are no guarantees on responsibility, but then again, we kill more people every year with out cars than we do with guns, eh?