I tend to agree with you, Kat. I don't have guns, but have enjoyed shooting sports at times. Mostly I just don't think about them much. I'm not too concerned with wackos,(neither jackbooted government thugs, nor terrorists), coming for me and my family. I'm fairly moderate in all this, and I think BOTH sides tend to go too far. I want the right to buy a gun should the desire arise, and I would not mind in the slightest registering it or waiting a few hours or days for a background check. And I bet if it came to a popular vote on all the choices, there are a LOT more people like me, than on both extremes of the issue. Hug your kid. Take an interest. Raise them with compassion and they'll be alright. Moderation in all things. As for self defense, Maybe I'll get a concealed weopon permit. I don't have a gun, but in my small town, word will travel fast that I have a permit, so no one should hassle me *BG*.