The Futility of Banning Something

Recently a bill banning “Assault Weapons” was introduced in congress.  Setting aside the merits of the proposed bill for a minute, when you ban something you are telling people they cannot have it.  Americans by their nature resent anyone telling them they can’t have anything.  They may not want it, but resent being told they cannot have it.

This was proved in the prohibition failure.  The Government banned alcohol and what happened, a black market in alcohol sprung up almost overnight.  Organized crime appeared to control the market and the level of crime in the country went up.

Look at the Drug War.  A number of drugs are banned and anyone who wants them can get them with little trouble.  Again criminal gangs control the market and the level of crime associated with drugs is up and rising.

As long as there is a demand, someone will step up to supply it.  So here is the question; do you want the criminal element controlling the gun market?  Think about that while you are debating this or any other ban.

Sandy Hook.

There has been much debate both in the media and online about what the response to the Sandy Hook Massacre should be. While I was initially tempted about the possibility of a ban on Assault Weapons, the definition of what is an assault weapon makes this a questionable solution. After reading the details of New York’s new law I believe they have gone too far.

The other part of New York’s law makes much more sense. That is requiring a background check for all sales and transfers of firearms. This can go a long way to keeping guns out of the hands of those that should not have them. You know felons, the mentally unstable, domestic abusers, etc…

I was impressed with an interview I saw of Cory Booker, the mayor of Newark, NJ. In that interview he said that of all the gun crimes investigated in his city, only one had been committed by an individual who had passed a background check to get the weapon. The others had all been obtained through what he called the secondary market. This is gun shows and private sales. For most states, background checks are not required for these secondary market sales. That is something that should be corrected.

One thing about the Sandy Hook shooting that has not received much public discussion was the personal responsibility. Now I don’t like to speak ill of the dead, but, the mother of the shooter was irresponsible in not securing her guns so that her mentally unstable son could not get access to them. She paid with her life for that mistake.

So, what should be done?

1. Require background checks on ALL sales and transfers of firearms.

2. Make the registered owner responsible for their weapons. If a gun you own is used in a crime, because you did not properly secure it, it’s on you. If it’s stolen, report it immediately.

3. Take the time to learn how to safely use and handle your guns. The lamest excuse I have ever heard is “I was cleaning my gun and it went off” If you don’t know enough to unload the gun before cleaning; you have no business owning a gun.