"whatever is posted here or elsewhere will not change anything -- especially a) if the posters are not from the US"

Good ideas don't stop at borders. They never have and they never will. However, if you mean the input from non US citizens won't change American legislation, I agree. Mantras aren't actions.

Many posters have recognized the influence of the NRA and its despicable misuse of the second amendment to the US constitution. Of course the NRA chooses not to mention the little caveat about a well-regulated militia. There is nothing well-regulated about gun ownership in the US, and most gun owners are not members of any militia. Too many of them are themselves frightened people.