Gun control, paranoia and objective reality

I find it almost comical when I hear a 'pro gun' proponent say
"Cars kill more people than guns do!" 

Cars are not manufactured to kill things. Guns are.

I would have far less issue with gun ownership, if before buying/using a gun, you-

1. Have to pass a test to prove you know how to use one properly.
2. Upon passing the test, you will then be required to carry a photo ID/license that will need renewal every 4-6 years.
3. You must insure your gun, to cover any damages you, and/or your gun, may cause to persons or property.
4. Your gun must be registered with your state every year.
5. You must abide by safety regulations; trigger guards, gun locks, etc.
6. Your gun must pass an annual inspection.
7. You must abide by restrictions in your area (i.e., banned silencers, multiple round magazines, concealment, etc)
8. Failure to comply, and your gun is seized/impounded.
9. Require title and tag at each point of sale.
10. Are over the age of 16.
11. Meet health requirements.

I could live with that. As a start...

• "Guns don't kill people. People kill people."

Actually, the wounds caused to the human body by the bullet(s) projected from a gun kills people.
Guns just make it a lot easier and increases the number of people killed (in mass shootings).
Sure, if people want to kill someone, they can use a nail file if they want to!
But, doesn't it make sense to restrict the most common way people are killing other people?
Over 12,000 people, adults and children, died from gun violence in 2013.

• "If more people were armed, these nutcases wouldn't be killing our kids in schools!"

Seriously? Can you imagine your English teacher from grade school turning into James Bond?
Even the pros aren't prepared for these types of mass killings.
Have you forgotten Fort Hood, already? One of the largest U.S. military installations in the world.
Over 42,000 soldiers. But, yet; 2 shootings: 16 dead, 46 wounded.
More guns will never be the answer to ending deaths by guns.

• "The Constitution says I have the right to bear arms!"

Read the 2nd Amendment.
There are over 2 million people in the US military (including reserves).
The US military budget is larger than the next 10 biggest military budgets combined.
They have weapons beyond measure.
Do you really believe that an armed citizen militia is necessary?
If it is because you are in fear you may have to defend yourself against a tyrannical government... (see above).

It has been shown over and over and over, that in areas where gun control laws are lenient,
there are more deaths by assault.
The US has the highest rate of gun ownership, and the highest rate of homicide-by-gun in the world.

I am not suggesting that gun owners should give up their guns.
But we need stricter gun control laws, including;
Longer waiting periods for states with less than 72 hours.
More thorough mental background checks.
Restrictions on assault weapons and limiting magazine capacity (give me one rational reason to own an AR-15).
Sew up the loopholes that exist in laws currently in place.
Mandatory registration.
Screening potential gun owners and regulation of gun sales

http://www.gunviolencearchive.org/welcome

Updated Daily - Incidents of Gun Violence in the US