Let’s face it, no matter what side of this debate you fall on, firearms are completely legal in the United States and there is unfortunately not very much that can be done to prevent some lunatic from sneaking a gun into a public event or movie theater and opening fire. There are, however, two ways which I think definitely could help to bring the “body count” way down:
1. Institute a high-capacity magazine ban in ALL 50 states. The sale or possession, of magazines that hold more than ten rounds should be outlawed (as should the import of such firearms). I know this is not a popular opinion, but do you really need to fire 20+ rounds at or into a home intruder? No!
2. Make bullets really, REALLY, REALLY expensive. Buying bullets in bulk should cost enough money to set off a red flag with every credit card company and put a decent dent in your bank account. I find it shocking and disappointing that a box of bullets and a carton of cigarettes are virtually the same price (bullets in some cases being cheaper!). But at least cigarettes are taxed in order to to help pay for anti-smoking programs and to help create a disincentive for smoking. Why not tax bullets to help create a disincentive for mass slaughter?
Life is extremely precious. I understand that it is highly unlikely that any guns will ever be outlawed in this country, and thus it is highly unlikely that gun related deaths will ever completely cease… But at the very least, access to guns and ammunition could potentially be made less accessible and people should be better educated in firearm safety.
My opinion my not be popular or right, but with the current and unfortunate trend of mass shootings, it is clear that something needs to change.