The real gun culture began with the US being one of the youngest major countries.... whose history included not only uncharted wilderness, but the awkward situation of various tribes of natives who were not properly deferential to these interlopers who were **obviously** superior and more 'advanced'. So... 'we' had to struggle to conqueror this great land... "made for you & me" says Woodie Guthrie.

   Guns were a major part of it all, and for many years, no one even questioned the idea of serious restrictions on them. THEN came several wars and 'better' guns were developed. Is there any doubt many 'patriots' would adopt guns as a hobby.... and with that vague 2nd amendment to support them, how in %#@@$& are we to start restricting them now?

It's a vicious circle... and a deadly one for us.

Those countries whose maturity was old before we existed, mostly treat guns as something ONLY for soldiers, and the need for standing armies has waned in the last 50-60 years.

If I had a magic button, I'd fix it pretty fast.