Time to start sharing my ramblings: If anyone reads this I will be amazed.  I am a social conservative with some libertarian view, I am bound to offend you at some point.

My first topic: Gun Control

I support the right for people to own firearms.  Every person has the right, has the responsibility for their own safety.  

That said: With all rights come responsibility, those irresponsible can lose those rights (I will expand on this below)  

1. Licensing

I believe in licensing:

Firearms are deadly. I believe that ALL gun owners should be trained at least every 5 years.

* The only method I know to insure training is as part of a licensing program.

* This would put the costs and responsibility of background checks on the buyer.

* This would allow sellers to quickly check if a license number is valid or revoked.

A license would be suspended if (suspended would just not allow a person to buy a gun, but they could still own one)

* A restraining order is filed against them.

* If they are under investigation for a violent or property invasion crime.

I license would be revoked if:

* A person is convinced of a violent crime or a crime that involves a firearm.

* Suspected of terrorism.

* Certain mental condition. (this would be revoked by a licensed psychiatrist, and would be fully protected by HIPAA)

Gun collectors exemption:

* If the only firearms a person owns are manufactured before 1900; no license should be required.

2 . Registration

I do not feel strongly on firearm registration. I lean in favor of, but it would be way too complicated considering we have 3 million new firearms sold in our country each year.

3. Fees and Penalties:

* The licensing fees and requirements should be kept at a min. $25 for background check & $25 for a basic safety class (maybe even have the safety class online for $15). I don't want this to be a financial burden on people or cause problems with those who have limited mobility; but the program should pay for itself.

* If a person if found to own a firearm and is not licensed, make the fine similar to a traffic violation. Not a criminal offense. Maybe have the fine waved if they get licensed.

* If a person had their license revoked and are found with a firearm. Then it should be a criminal offense.

4. Why not license baseball bats, spoons, knives, etc..

* Firearms are made for one thing, to kill efficiently and effectively. There are a limited few exemption to this truth – like some weapons designed for target shooting.

* If someone was wanting to kill effectively, they would choose a firearm first. Just as if you were to cut your front lawn, you would choose a lawnmower over a pair of scissors. You could cut your lawn with scissors, but it just wouldn't be very effective.

* More fatal accidents happen from firearms than any other item.

* Gun regulations have existed in the United States for about 150 years, evolving many times since then to cover machine guns, assault rifles, Saturday Night Specials and undetectable firearms. And you can still carry an AR-15 around with a .45 in your back pocket.

If you think gun regulations are some Nazi like leftest move:

In 1938, under Nazi rule, gun laws became significantly more relaxed. Rifle and shotgun possession were deregulated, and gun access for hunters, Nazi Party members, and government officials was expanded. The legal age to own a gun was lowered. Jews and Gypsies, however, were prohibited from owning firearms and other dangerous weapons.