Timeout for a Serious Talk

Here's the deal America. I get it. I understand. We evolved as a frontier culture. We loaded up wagons. We buckled packs on mules. We set out. We plunged into the unknown. We took a leap of faith, a daring journey and thought outside the box. From day one the European settlers of this country (the dominant force behind its current identity) set sail with some giant question marks ahead of them. We were a ballsy group of no-nonsense self starters intent on carving out a place of our own in a dangerous world. (We can argue about whether we were "conquerors" later.)

To make us feel safe, we took along guns. They provided food and protection. They acted as currency, often providing sustenance in the most trying of times. Read Ambrose's "Undaunted Courage" and you will readily understand the magnitude and importance of a good weapon. There is no argument. In the formative years of this great nation, guns played a crucial and essential role in the settlement of the great wilderness that was the United States of America.

Additionally, guns played a significant role in the liberation of the Americas from European sovereignty. Without an armed populace, the first echoes of rebellion would have been suppressed by a superior British force. Once again, gun ownership by private citizens shaped not only our nations history, but that of the world.

Therefore, it makes perfect sense that the Founding Fathers took the "right to bear arms" as a significant liberty to be entrusted to the people. In fact, many delegates saw this right as essential to the upkeep and maintenance of freedom. Noah Webster argued:

"Before a standing army can rule the people must be disarmed; as they are in almost every kingdom in Europe. The supreme power in America cannot enforce unjust laws by the sword; because the whole body of the people are armed, and constitute a force superior to any band of regular troops that can be, on any pretence, raised in the United States."

However, that was then and this is now. There are no hostile aboriginals to protect ourselves from. The great American wilderness has been subdued. Most large, carnivorous predators have been confined to narrow bands of existence. Outlaws and pirates no longer prowl the trails and waterways of the union. Certainly criminals exist, but this is by far the safest and most secure our country has ever been in its history.

So why? Why do we need weapons specifically designed to harm or kill people? Why do we allow weapons to be produced that have the indisputable function of causing injury to large numbers of people? What person in their right mind thinks they need an assault rifle stored in the basement just in case Obama somehow coopts the American military into his own private army and takes away our freedom? It simply is not in the cards. Cannot happen. Will never happen.

I'm all for the rights of Americans to hunt. Shotguns, rifles and bows have a part to play in American recreation. (Not really my cup o tea, but I see how they have a place.) Essentially, I'm not anti gun. Instead, I consider myself anti guns designed for killing people. Even more specifically, anti allowing guns designed for killing people to be put in the hands of ordinary citizens.

I know the argument against this position. "Someone breaks into my house and threatens my family. I need a gun!" No, you need a stronger door. Invest in a better alarm system. Steel shutters. Rottweilers. Anything other than a gun. Isn't the ultimate outcome NOT TO HAVE TO KILL SOMEONE even if they are a drug crazed, baseball wielding psycho who has kicked down your door? If you had your choice, wouldn't you rather he never gets in your house to begin with?

For those of you who answered, "no, I'd rather shoot his drug crazed, home invasion ass!", I think you might be considered part of the problem not the solution.

So here's my proposal.

Handguns are illegal for private citizens. Current legally owned handguns can be turned over to the government for one year. Owners will receive full monetary restitution based on trade in value of one year ago. (This compensates legal owners and does not deprive them of the assets value.) Illegally owned guns will reap trade in value as well (preventing illegal sales which might prove more lucrative than straight out confiscation) minus a small fine (to pay for the buy back program paperwork etc). Illegal owners will only receive a three month window to turn in their weapons. After three months fines and penalties increase dramatically. Assault weapons will receive the same treatment. However, illegal ownership past the cutoff date and penalties will be significant.

For those of you who would like to focus blame for recent mass shootings upon mental health, I agree. I believe the diagnosis and continuing care of those with mental health issues would go a long way to preventing further tragedies, but let's remove the tangible means to harm many people in a short period of time. Let's end our fascination with guns.