well, Mick...there are many factors involved in rates of gun violence.....including laws, culture, history.

Since we can't do a double-blind study in all those countries starting 200-300 years ago, it is difficult for either of us to prove our theory absolutely.

I do suggest that the logic is hard to dispute that IF someone has little or no access to firearms, they will not hurt anyone else with them. Totally *legal* guns are used carelessly, stolen, bought legally and REsold illegally, and just simply used by folks who bought them legally, but in retrospect, had no business being trusted with one.

I have, as I have said many times, no notion that it would be possible to simply pass a law and solve much, as there are so many firearms already 'out there', that it would change little in the short run. I just believe strongly that there are huge loopholes in the laws that 'could' be closed to curb easy access by certain people and to restrict certain types of weapons and ammunition.

The NRA seems to feel...(what do I mean 'seems', they SAY so)...that passing even one seemingly reasonable restrictive law will just be a 'slippery slope' to widespread restriction of their **CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHTS**....so they are willing to ummmm... live... with the regular horrible headline just so they can claim that they are defending themselves.

I know the line..."Enforce existing laws!!".... right. Many of the recent incidents were caused by people who DID own those guns legally.
"But there are many ways to commit murder"...oh, indeed, but it is MUCH easier to avoid a guy running into a school with a knife.....those bullets are fast!

*sigh*... we both know the arguments. I just feel that trying it MY way would still allow YOU and other sane, qualified folks to do what is needed, while at least *reducing* the number of fools using guns to settle their scores.