Once again, friend Ron, you folks try to shift the premise. This isn't about why I need semi automatic weapons. I already have them. It is about why you should be allowed to take them away. I purchased them and use them in a completely legal way. They are stored safely, all in my home know the appropriate safety rules. You folks toss the term "semi automatic" out as if it were a perjorative. A shotgun used for rabbit hunting is often a semi automatic. A 30-06 hunting rifle can be a semi automatic and an assault weapon, even though it is the most common weapon used in hunting for large game. Any firearm, including a revolver, can fire as many times as you pull the trigger. I own weapons like these, I teach all in my family to use them safely. We have been hunters and fishermen for generations in my family. It, along with camping, boating, canoeing and hiking, are part of our families heritage and culture.

The most important point in this debate, IMO, is that the weapons owned by the huge majority of law abiding gun owners are not the weapons that are used to commit violent crime. The weapons used to commit violent crime are usually obtained illegally. You want to know what happened at VT? The various agencies weren't talking to each other. This kid had been evaluated by pro's as a danger to himself and others. If the system were working properly, he would never have gotten those weapons. But my opinion is that he was psychotic and would have found another way to make his point.

I would believe you are all sincere if you were attacking the real problem. But you are not. You are simply using the lame old tactic of attacking the visible scab and not treating the infection under that scab. It makes us feel good. But it won't stop these horrible tragedies.

Mick