There is one point that is always ignored when people who think that passing a law can cure any problem turn their attention to guns. That is that America is about freedom. For those in our Congress who have forgotten, that means the maximum amount of non-interference in the lives of law abiding citizens which is consistent with a functioning government.

We have certain "inalienable rights" and among them is the right of self defense. But just as important in a free society is the freedom to do anything else we please as long as the rights of others are not violated and the security and welfare of others is not compromised. When that does happen, and it always has and always will, the violators are subject to having their inalienable rights abridged.

The US in particular shows signs of losing sight of that fundamental principle of freedom. I am a non-smoker, but I feel that those who choose to smoke have every right to do so, as long as I am not forced to breathe second-hand smoke. I am a gun owner, and [still] have every right to be [Senator Schumer of NY notwithstanding] as long as I don't use that right to harm anyone else or violate anyone else's rights. The moment that happens, I have lost that right.

We should keep in mind that all it takes to lose one of our rights - ANY one of our rights - is for 268 people in Washington to vote to abolish it.