bruce1954 wrote:
Welcome,
I moslty agree with you, just would point out that The Revolutionist fought with, what were then, modern firearms equal to those who were fighting against them.
Thank you, sir.
When the Revolutionists fought, they did not have access to automatic weapons with 20 and 30 round magazines.
For clarification, I have NO OBJECTIONS to responsible citizens who choose to own & carry firearms.
Otherwise, I believe that in the wake of recent tragedies, the following measures are reasonable:
(1.) Back ground checks for all firearms purchases, and transfer applications;
(2.) *Tougher sentencing for ANYONE caught and convicted of possessing an unregistered firearm;
(3.) *Tougher sentencing for anyone convicted of an illegal discharge of a firearm in the commission of a crime, or assault (-by assault, I mean, "other than self-defense, or attempt to prevent a potentially deadly or serious assault upon another person, including rape);
(4.) Limitation on the number of rounds permitted in public.
**Consider:
/A/ Recording the type and quantity of ammunition purchased, the person making the purchases, and the frequency of the purchases;
/B/ Recording gun range visits.
** In the event that someone robs a bank, commits a drive-by, or other assault, it will be somewhat easier for investigators to eliminate the homeowner who purchases less than 30 rounds per year from potential suspects who purchase 300 rounds per week.
Of course, in the scenario submitted, it would not be possible to eliminate hunters, or people who practice on private property. Still, records would provide a measure of support for law enforcement.
Given sufficient support for this particular idea, it would be necessary to impose penalties for unauthorized sales of ammunition. I am not suggesting that private citizens should not be able to sell, or trade ammunition; I would suggest that in light of potential consequences, we need some regulations in place, if only a requirement to record the date, type, and quantity of ammunition, the names of those making the transactions, and the names of any witnesses available at the time of the transaction.
My MAIN concern is that of public safety. With DUE respect to those who are adamant about their second amendment rights, I took an oath to support and defend the constitution, and I have not abandoned my commitment to that oath. However, I would not place the value of anyone's asserted interpretation of their rights over the life of an innocent, law abiding citizen, -especially a child.
*Finally, "tougher sentencing" would require continuous, strict enforcement, and construction of more penitentiaries.
I'd be happy to share my ideas regarding how we would construct more penitentiaries.