Show of Hands

but other than that they wont help much

but other than that they wont help much

Background checks will keep guns away from the "mentally retarded"...

The Swiss have the right idea!

Yes but not by much necessarily. Those who want guns will still seek them illegally.

Not if it violates our rights, not it is not worth it.

No, for two reasons. First, background checks are damn near universal at the state level right now. Second, the border works both ways. If criminals can't get guns here, they'll sneak them in anyways. Law-breakers will always find ways around the law. It's in their job description.

A criminal does not obtain weapons the same way law abiding citizens do, so the focus should be on the people not the weapon.

MrO's proposals are impotent. They would do nothing to have prevented the recent mass killings, and even more destructive, they leave the uninformed with the impression that they will be safer because of his proposals.

That is MrO, a master of inaction, the director of no change, and no hope.

A bit. Not a lot. Gangs will find a way but less crazies I guess.

In general, yes. But considering a number of recent high profile murderers had nothing that would come up on a check, it would be naive to expect that to be enough.

Everyone needs to look at Switzerland! Seriously. Criminals, especially those who do not care about their own lives, do not follow laws. Other violent crimes will increase but this time, innocent victims will have no self defense.

Most shootings I've read about were done by those who weren't allowed or shouldn't have guns. So background checks wouldn't work. the ones you don't want to have guns will still have them.

Exactly. We've gotta start somewhere. You dont just throw up ur hands & say, its not gonna work w/out even trying, thats cowardly. Tell u something else, if we started making people responsible for the underlying crimes when they've left their guns unprotected maybe people would be more responsible.

Anyone can break anytime. And why put all the attention on guns specifically when there are several instruments that are deadly. Background checks for piano wire purchases as well? Cool down. Shit happens.

The government turned the mentally challenged loose in the 70s/80s. It's where the homeless came from and why there are so many loonies running around today. Another government created problem with their solution violating my (and your) rights.

Is everyone drinking the same kool-aid?! "Criminals dont follow laws" DUH! I dunno if it will reduce crime HOWEVER it should happen. Some stats show 40% buy guns w/out a background check. Aren't u a lil bit concerned if someone buys a gun without a background check? C'mon!

Dear Statists, criminals do not abide by the law. Learn this.

Background checks or more laws will never stop the evil mind. Only more guns in civilian hands, as proven by FBI statistics. Basically makes everyday citizens, a police force to disarm or discourage criminals from acting.

that didn't make sense. this is what I meant: Overhaul the mental health system AND put some kind of background check. I'm just afraid what the government is gonna consider "mentally ill"

until you tackle the mental health issue, mentally unstable people will find a way to find a gun. they need to overhaul the mental health system, and put some kind of background check into place.

It'll work! Criminals who murder would certainly never lie!! That's against the law.

Gun proliferation doesn't explain it either... societies like the Swiss have many more guns, all military arms and far less violence.

The answer you are looking for is "culture." For being crass, uneducated self-centered idiots I don't think you'll find our equal anywhere else in the world.

That's a very hard argument to counter ohm... except that gun ownership is a constitutionally protect right where car ownership is not.

I agree with requiring background checks for all gun sales, including private deals, but it won't reduce crime. CA already has it, and it hasn't had an effect. Criminals will sell guns illegally, regardless of laws. One more way to convict them though. :)

More Americans were killed in Chicago last year than in Afghanistan. That's one city vs a country.

Warren v. District of Columbia: law enforcement owes no duty to protect individuals.

@ohm62, yes but until they can teleport with less than 3 seconds delay once you need them, they will almost always be at least a few minutes too late. Think about the Sandy Hook shooting. After they got the call, it only took a few minutes for them to respond, but it was too late to makeadifference.

agree that most crimnals would find a way anyway, but some will give up. why make it easy for them. if it prevents jus one death isnt it worth it?

Is it sarcasm?

Just like how there are no underage drinkers, people not allowed to buy guns won't have any. Yup yup.

I like guns. Always have. They're industrial sculpture. I once owned an AR-15 and three superb pistols. I'm a good shot, too. Rarely shot 'em, though. I banned ammo in my home. Sold 'em all. Damnit though, I miss taking the little fuckers out of hiding, admiring and petting them.

Whattaya, nuts?

Same subject

I answered yes because I believe it will severely cripple the trafficking of arms across the border to Mexico. Do you realize that as many people have been murdered in Juarez Mexico as we're in Syria in the last 2 years.....that's one Provence verses a whole nation.

Geeze people. No one is outlawing guns. This is about background checks.

Im for background checks, but it wont reduce crime. A criminal will be a criminal, no matter how many gun laws you put in place, do you really think a potential criminal is going to follow the law!?!

The only way to stop a bad guy with a gun is with a good guy with a gun...what's so hard to understand about that ?

That's why they attack schools

The only thing bad guys fear is the bullets coming back their direction

when you outlaw guns only outlaws have guns

Bad guys don't buy their guns legally, so background checks will have little effect...gun control only disarms the good guys so they can't defend themselves against the bad guys...

Perhaps the context was a tad different...

Today? Watch out... One of the two clowns who indulged the million dollars electoral tap dance, in presence of their adorable spouses and kids on TV to look more likable themselves, is coming to get YOU! The true power is in Capital and Media.

As a corollary, if you are scared that 20 assailants could rush to your house to overpower you, and that's why you need the high cap mag, then I'd respectfully suggest that you change of neighborhood ASAP. Little Afghanistan is no good for you!

In a school, or a movie theatre, it gives a slight chance for a few brave souls to seize the opportunity to either flee or overpower the bastard while he is reloading. What's so hard to grasp?

I agree with 85% of NRA households that there should be universal background checks. I believe it will help in part but lots of other measures must be undertaken, as well.

Fair enough... Premeditated murder in retaliation? I wonder why a court would then have you land in jail for any extent of time for it... What's the rationale there again?

I guess we agree then. Uk having 1 intentional homicide per 100,000 people a year, vs 5 in the US, has less to do with cultural and diversity issues than with gun proliferation...

enforced, not simply required. on the taxpayers dollar nonetheless

Hahahahahahaha!