Guns and Arizona

   It has now been over ten days since the tragedy in Arizona where six people were killed and 13 were injured including Congresswoman Giffords. The reaction has ranged from those blaming harsh and violent rhetoric, to those using the incident to become martyrs themselves.  Much has been said and will continue to be said about gun control policy in the United States.  I myself have had multiple conversations about gun control in light of the tragedy.
   Throughout these conversations many different cliche's, analogies and arguments have been made back and forth, however throughout them all I have noticed that those on the status quo side of our gun control laws simply do not live in reality.  Among arguments for keeping the status quo I have heard, "guns do not kill people, people kill people." "Where will it stop, will knives soon be outlawed?"  "Cars are more dangerous than guns, so why don't we outlaw cars?"  "There is only one way to interpret the 2nd amendment." "Laws only effect those who follow them, criminals don't follow laws so what good would new laws do?" "If everyone carried a gun, we would all be much safer."  All these cliche's and others like them seem to be the bulk of the status quo argument.
   I have not heard one argument promoting the status quo that makes any sense to me.  If anyone has one or can link to one I would be most grateful if you could share.  The thing is no one wants guns completely outlawed.  Even finding someone who just wants handguns outlawed is very difficult.  Guns are part of our culture.  Americans love guns.  This is ok.

A semi-automatic Kalashnikov AKM rifle

   However, the arguments for just reasonable, common sense gun laws are overwhelming.  The assault weapons ban, which expired in 2004, was just common sense legislation that even 57 percent of gun owners supported at the time.  Yet, even now many people seem convinced that this common sense legislation is an outrageous infringement on their 2nd amendment rights.  Even George W. Bush supported renewing the ban. Enacting similar legislation after the Arizona tragedy has been discussed, but has very little chance to actually be passed in the republican controlled house.  It is really too bad, as some sort of increase in gun control laws is a mainstream popular view that a large majority of the country holds.  (When looking at this poll I become even more surprised at the number of people I speak to, who seemingly are for the status quo, perhaps they are just more outspoken that those in favor of tighter laws.)
 
   For those that support the status quo; are there no restrictions on guns of any kind that you will support?  After all, what lawful citizen needs a semi-automatic Kalashnikov rifle?  Does the 2nd amendment really allow any citizen to own any firearm in existence?  Surely no one would make such an argument?  Or would they: (skip to 3:58)

 These are the sorts of arguments I find myself listening to in the wake of the tragedy in Arizona.  Not allowing people to purchase assault rifles or clips that contain 15, 30 or 50 rounds and up, or making true background checks required, is not unreasonable.  In fact I would argue it is just common sense.  Gun laws are not a slippery slope ending with the banning of all firearms.  Instead it seems we are much closer to a slippery slope where there are little to no restrictions on gun use and ownership in the United States.  Yet, status quo advocates continue to play the persecuted martyrs who at any moment will have their 2nd amendment rights taken away from them by our "crazy liberal, gun banning President."  

  While I realize, I have not added much to the debate in what is my inaugural issues post.  I do hope, despite my skepticism, that someone may respond with a coherent rational for the status quo.  I also believe that much more important than the gun control debate is a debate on what really causes violent crime.  Whether it be our mental health system, economic justice, our education system, or just the state of our economy; these are the true causes of violent crime, and issues which can have much more lasting effect in our society.  These issues are ones that really effect people's lives, and ones I hope to touch on more in the future.