Simmer down, no malice, no challenge here, just a serious question: Just exactly how pro-gun are you? Do you think, for instance (as some other members of this forum have expressed), that Florida's or Georgia's qualifications for obtaining a concealed carry permit are "too lax"? Do you think certain firearms, like semi-automatic AKs or ARs are too easy to obtain? Do you think it is reasonable for me to be able to walk in my local gun store, buy a Glock and a couple of 30 round magazines and a 250 round pack of 9mm ammo and walk out with my purchase in 15 minutes or less? Do you think I need to be required to report every firearms purchase from a private individual to a state or Federal registry? What about multiple purchases? I have bought a half-dozen guns since Thanksgiving. Should that put me on some kind of "watch him" list? There is about to be a flurry of legislation proposed at the Federal level intended to restrict firearm/ammo/magazine acquisition and ownership in one way or another. Can you think of any new laws, short of outright prohibition/confiscation/criminalization of firearms and their ownership, that would have realistically averted the tragedy in Tucson?
I realize it is possible (and I even am personally acquainted with a few) for a leftist liberal to be a staunch supporter of the 2nd Amendment, but you have to admit, it is really pretty unusual.
I pointed out in a thread in the 2nd Amendment forum that compromise is necessary to the democratic process. I am not an absolutist, and I believe in "reasonable restrictions." (That statement right there will probably get me some flames from some on here.) I get the feeling, however, that my idea of "reasonable restrictions" and yours are very different. I believe you when you say you are a gun-owner and a left winger, but I'm betting that you are not really all that pro-gun.
Am I wrong?
If so, I apologize in advance.