[disneysteve]

Originally Posted by gackle

Steve, I agree with almost everything you post, but I guess on this subject we're going to have to disagree. I totally agree with zakity and maat55's last posts. With your examples, in the end it comes down to responsibility. The cops didn't make sure the weapon was unloaded and didn't treat it as if it was loaded. The family that their kids got a hold of the weapons didn't take the steps necessary to make sure that didn't happen.

Actually, I don't think we disagree all that much. Again, I'm not opposed to gun ownership and I'm not opposed to using that gun to defend yourself and your family. I just worry because there is no way to pick and choose who gets to have one and no way to ensure that once someone has one, they treat it properly, store it properly, train their kids properly, etc. Far too many accidental shootings occur with personal weapons. That makes it pretty clear to me that a great many gun owners aren't doing what they should be doing. Does that mean nobody should be allowed to own a gun? Of course not. But maybe there needs to be a tighter system in place with better background checks, mandatory training and retraining annually, or something along those lines. I certainly don't have the answer. And I understand that if you outlaw gun ownership, only the criminals will have guns.

It is a difficult issue and a personal one. I don't own a gun and don't plan to. It just isn't something I'm comfortable with. But I totally understand why others feel differently and just hope that all who do own guns handle them with the proper care and respect they require.

I also agree with zakity and maat55's posts.