McGrath - I agree with you, that there should be stringent requirements for owning a gun. In Canada (in Ontario, anyway), one has to take a lengthy firearms handling and safety course, quite thorough and responsible, before one can go out and buy a gun. I took the course, cos I thought it would be interesting, and it was. I got the certificate, but never bothered to actually buy a gun with it, cos I don't feel I have any particular need for one. If I was living in the mountains out west, and there were grizzlies around, then I would buy a gun, and take it with me when in the woods. Ditto for the far north and polar bears. I've got no plans to shoot at other people, none whatsoever, nor would I shoot at a bear either, unless the bear gave me no choice about the matter. That sometimes happens. Guns in a city environment? Nope. Not my solution. I try not to live in fear, and mostly I succeed at that.

- LH