I recently wrote a post on this blog concerning the Rules for discussing guns and mass murder.
I wrote that post in a tongue-in-cheek format but it is a pretty clear illustration of what it’s like debating gun enthusiasts. They love their guns and they have honed their craft over the years debating and defending the second amendment.
Of all their counter arguments the one that carries the most weight with me is “What’s your solution?” Its a good question and one that requires answering.
So here goes:
- The United States should begin collecting official data on gun crimes. You might think to yourself “but we already do that”,
well, we do and we don’t. Lots of organizations do like EverytownResearch.org but the U.S. doesn’t have an official tally. The CDC would like to do that but Congress has yet to fund it. It should be noted that the NRA opposes the collection of this data. - Implement a ten year ban on rifles with rapid fire capabilities. These would be rifles loosely defined as ‘assault weapons.’ Existing weapons that fall under this category can be grandfathered in but must be registered. The government can offer a buyback program. After ten years revisit the ban, if gun deaths have dropped significantly then set it for another ten years. If no change then drop it. Yes, there will be much disension over the description of what an assault weapon is but we can figure that out. We are the greatest country in the world right? If we can’t decide then start by banning rifles used in mass murders of over five persons.
- Require liability & medical insurance on every gun in America. This insurance should offer at least 500K for fatal shootings and lifetime medical for gunshot victims. I’m told that the 2nd amendment is the most important of the Bill of Rights. Surely we can back that claim up financially.
- Universal background checks on the national level. Yes, America has some forms of background checks but they are easily circumvented by driving to another state or going it a unlicensed seller.
- Efficient mental health screening. This requires the cooperation of Congress. Current funding for mental health is abysmal. Bills intended to renew funding for mental health are languishing in Congress.
- Tighten up requirements to participate in gun shows. People should not be able to buy a weapon of war off the tailgate of a pickup truck at a gun show.
- Ban large capacity magazines. You don’t need a hundred rounds to bag your deer. It’s not a right.
- Review open carry and stand your ground laws. Many of these are poorly drawn laws created solely to garner votes rather than save lives.
- Address urban gun violence. Violence intervention programs have had success in stemming gun deaths in densely populated cities. These need better funding in order to continue to grow.
- Disarm hate.
US Senator Bob Casey and Representative David Cicilline introduced the Disarm Hate Act in 2017, this legislation would prohibit access to firearms by people who have been convicted of a hate crime involving the use or threatened use of violence or a deadly weapon. It is stalled in Congress.