Lucky I was out of town and miss this thread. Because those horrible NRA slogans were bandied about here again, let me say this again here: If only outlaws have guns, it sure will make it easier for the police to spot them.

I think this discussion has been remarkably civil, all things considered. It's one I've never been able to have with my family because of the high emotion involved (and their unfortunate placement on the wrong side of this debate) so having it here, in a "safe" environment, has been great.

Chet, I like your thoughts on doing something. It's an excellent point; if you don't like the way things are, do something about it. I try to live my life that way, and these mmost recent shootings have prompted me to consider taking a break from tutoring and doing some volunteer work for gun control. Gotta put my money where my mouth is, as they say.

Good on us, for (largely) reasonable debate (except for all of you who are wrong, wrong, wrong of course).

kat, if you melt down some of that steel and fashion it into a peace sign and send it to me I'll wear it around my neck forever, fashion be damned.