Old MacDonald had a gun...

In my critique of Governmental Confusion's post on “Guns – Too easily obtained,” I am going to focus on several solvency issues, debate lingo for whether a proposal or plan is able to fix the problems, or “harms,” presented.

While everyone agrees that having guns in the hands of criminals and killers is a terrible thing, no one can quite seem to devise a workable solution of fixing this problem short of banning all guns completely. It is with this focus on solvency, or workability, that I will analyze the proposal by Governmental Confusion, breaking down the “plan” and responding to it in parts.

First, I agree with the feasibility to “Require EVERYONE who purchases a gun to go through a rigorous training course AND safety course.” It would not difficult at all to require every prospective gun owner to display a certificate of completion from a certified gun safety course. This would definitely help stop people who are “gun ignorant” from purchasing guns. However, “ignorant” gun users aren’t exactly the main threat since criminals and murders aren’t exactly untrained in the ways of gun usage….

“Require them to take a refresher course every two-three years while they still own a gun. If they fail to do so, they lose their license and the gun should be confiscated.” I would also agree that mandating a refresher course is also a good idea, but the “enforcement” seems quite unnecessary. To put this into perspective, let’s compare gun use to another activity that requires a license, driving a car. Not only is driving incredibly dangerous (the momentum of a 1-2 ton mass of metal called a vehicle traveling at over 70 mph is extraordinarily high…) but it also accounts for a loss of 40,000 lives per year. (http://www.newton.dep.anl.gov/askasci/gen99/gen99845.htm) We would also agree that there are criminals, murderers and insane people who own and drive a car and use their vehicles to aid them in their crimes against humanity. However, if were to apply the same sort of standard to your driver’s license you would have to take a refresher driver’s course every couple of years (something that’s not required even today…), and if you failed to take such a course you would loose your license and your car would be confiscated. Sounds a little harsh. Maybe a fine would work better?

At the time of the consideration of purchase, make sure the individual(s) know what they're getting into, and learn the responsibilities that come with owning a gun. Unfortunately, this part of the proposition begs the question, “how?” How could we actually determine if a person actually knows what they are getting into? Or worse yet, do we really want to let people who know exactly what they are getting into have a gun? Such as intending murderers... Also, factual knowledge of “responsibilities” and actual application of that knowledge are two completely different things.

Know the pros AND cons. Make sure they know how to handle and manage their own weapon; how to store it safely. Keep it away from curious children. Don’t we already do this?? But more importantly, don’t murderers and college campus shooters know how to handle their weapons well?

“Make sure the person who is attempting to obtain the gun is of sound mind, as well.” I completely agree with this suggestion! However, how would we go about determining the soundness of a person’s mind? Isn’t such a determination quite subjective? For example, if I lived in Germany, I would be classified as “mentally unsound” and placed in a mental institution…. because I am home schooled!! Trust me, I’ve seen several Neurologists who can attest to the fact that I’m not “mentally unsound” at all!

Do not allow anyone to take their gun home until it is absolutely certain they understand and will follow the procedures, and all the qualifications have been met. No exemptions What procedures, what qualifications? (Who will be the one to set AND enforce the standards?) But more importantly, how do you actually make sure that someone completely understands the procedures? I can see myself walking into academy to by a hunting gun and saying “Yes, I’m reallyreallyreallyreallyreallyreallyreallyreally sure that I know how to operate the gun!!!,” in response to the employee asking for certainty of my abilities.

Harsher punishments need to be given for crimes with guns. Not only on the people that commit the crimes, but the places that sell the guns when not all of the requirements and courses have been met. If a gun was purchased at a certain store without covering all the boundaries, and then that gun was used for a crime, the store, as well as the criminal should be punished. That would help cut down on stores selling guns so loosely, and in turn, cut down on the "wrong" people owning guns and using them for destructive purposes. I completely agree with the conclusion that people should not be able to obtain guns with the intent on using them for destructive purposes. Unfortunately, such fines and punishments won’t stop them. For example, say your exact “plan” had been implemented before the Virginia Tech shootings. The would-be shooter would go to the gun dealer, take the tests, “certify” that he met all the conditions and qualifications (say “really” enough times) and be able to get his guns after jumping just a few more hurdles that normal. The shootings would have still happened. Why? Because killers are well trained in the art of killing and gun usage and what would the suggested tests measure? How well trained and informed a person is...

Unfortunately, all the last part of your proposal would do is punish gun dealers from selling guns to people who passed their tests with flying colors and didn’t have a prior felony conviction or other crimes. All those first time murders and college gunmen who will kill themselves. Also, smart criminals would know better than to try to purchase another gun from a legitimate dealer after committing their first crime. Most likely.
Unfortunately, all the ideas presented are directed towards the average citizen who has no plans on using their guns for crimes. Some will not even buy a gun with the new regulations in place, thus reducing the legitimate usage of guns. But the average Americans are not the problem, are they? The real problems are the college gunmen, the serial killers, and even your everyday murders who won't be stopped since it's rather hard to punish a college killer who is already dead...