Updated and move to the top since Mr. Videll has joined the conversation:

(originally posted April 23, 2007 @ 20:00)

Now, it should be noted that Illinois has some of the most restrictive gun laws in the nation. In the City of Chicago, for example, you are not allowed to own, possess nor transport a handgun. There is no concealed carry allowance in the State. You must be registered as a firearm owner prior to purchasing a firearm or ammunition (unless you are from outside of Illinois — how does that make sense??) There is a 3 day waiting period and the required FBI background check. We do not, to my knowledge, yet have a “one gun a month” type of law on the books, but it’s not needed — Mayor Daley’s preference is an outright ban on gun ownership so why worry about limiting the number of purchases in such a manner? Mr. Videll doesn’t seem to understand these laws, since he contradicts many of them in his letter, but he claims to be the “gun expert”…

My circumstance is vastly different from John’s; a self-avowed NRA Certified Shooting Instructor. I shot very little as a youth. Perhaps 4-5 times with a rimfire rifle between the ages of 10-20. These events were always with the parental supervision of my father, who had owned various rifles and shotguns in his youth and who was trained to use them responsibly. Aside from those few events, I owned 1 BB gun which I got as a birthday present in my “tweens” (10-12 years old). I did not pick up a firearm again until I was 45 years old. This was only after I had been trained on firearms safety through a major (Big Ten) University program. Since then, I have purchased a handgun, which I use during our target practice sessions (usually held 1-2 times a month) through that same program.

I am happy with the handgun I purchased, a .357 Magnum revolver. I purchased it for sentimental reasons, not because it was the best tool for my intended uses. Now, I am considering purchasing 1-2 other handguns for target practice. They will also serve as personal protection for my home and family. I would also like to purchase a shotgun for both sporting (clays) and for self-defense, but shotguns are different than handguns — the ones best suited for sporting clays are not very good options for self-defense and vice versa.

But let’s get back to the “sensible gun control laws” which John Videll wrote about. Satirically, I will agree with John Videll’s points. We should have tougher gun laws:

• I would like to see everyone (yes, every man, woman and child) be required to get (age-) appropriate firearms safety training.
• Once a person reaches the age of maturity, 21 for the sake of argument, each man and woman would be required to get registered for a firearm.
• This registration would require mandatory firearms education and qualification. You would then be issued a national firearms card. Everyone.
• There would be a nominal fee for the card (I pay $10 for an Illinois Firearms Owners ID, or FOID card) and it would be good for a limited time (say 10 years).
• To renew your card, you would need to range qualify again — nothing as drastic as the sniper qualifications at Ft.Benning, Georgia — just demonstrate your safety, skill and mental health in a short 30 minute exam at the range.
• You would also be required to keep the registration card on you at all times whenever you possess your firearm or want to make a purchase.
• You would be required to own and keep a firearm. Any firearm you choose — a shotgun, .22 rimfire pistol, an M-16, a Glock, or even the tiny derringer.

Now, here are just some of the positive aspect from my proposed system:

• this should greatly reduced the fear of firearms. The vast number of individuals screaming for more gun control REALLY do believe guns are bad. They are afraid of the unknown. This training would educate them that a gun is a tool. It is typically made of metal or space age polymers, but it is still just a simple tool. No more evil nor deadly than a hammer or a sharp knife.
• it would simplify bookkeeping. Registration renewal could be conducted by the Census Bureau in conjunction with your local law enforcement agency who would administer the recertification.
• this registration card would automatically give you “concealed carry” as well as open carry rights in all 50 states, since the requirements are identical and Federally mandated.
• it would require no more background checks. If you have your card, you are eligible to buy a gun or ammo. Gun dealers would know that you are legitimate.
• it would require no waiting period. You are already required to own a firearm. Why should you have to wait during the purchase of another?
• there is less fear of a “government database of gun owners”. While there would be a database, it would include every adult. The really important data would be on those individuals who have lost their right to own/transfer/buy firearms because of felony convictions or mental health issues.
• it is often easier to remove access than it is to prevent it. Since everyone must possess their registration card, removing their rights is as simple as removing the card (hell, let them punch a hole through the expiration date like they do on old drivers licenses so no one can reunite the owner with his/her old card). Mental health officials, judges and police would be able to temporarily withhold the card until a judge or jury determines your mental health or criminal intent.
• no restrictions of calibers, styles, capacity of magazines, full-auto, interstate commerce, etc. Everyone is trained and presumed law-abiding so there’s no need and no hysteria.
• the government would be less inclined to take away our rights if (virtutally) everyone owns and can operate a gun.
• the nation would be better trained to defend itself against its enemies, both foreign and domestic.
• millions of people would discover the joys of shooting.
• we could reduce the estimated 20,000 disparate gun laws into maybe 3 dozen Federal laws.

So, yes, I sort of agree with Mr. Videll. We need some common sense in regard to our gun laws. Oh, one more positive: we can focus on prosecuting just the criminals and not the law abiding citizens.

ProphetJoe

Michael Moore has challenged Fred Thompson to a debate. Here’s the Senator’s response.

No, but only 23 more days until we are! Until then, and in honor of Carol at Alabama Improper, here’s a trailer to see what’s in store!

6pence