[Tenrocca]

Nice post Paul and agree with much of what your saying.

It is always very frustrating when your own opinion seems so logical and obvious that others do not share the same view point. It doesn't matter what I say there is never going to be that lightbulb moment from those with opposing views especially as it is so ingrained as a part of American history and culture.

What I do know though is that since 1996 when gun laws were brought in in Australia there has not been a single mass shooting. In the same period in the US there has been 55+ mass shootings resulting in 400+ deaths. One would have to be just a little bit stupid to suggest there is not a link between the availability of guns and the number of folk being shot in mass shootings?

Chaplin - I apologise if my use of the word "legitimate" purpose caused confusion.

Here you must be a primary producer, be a registered member of a sporting shooting club or require a firearm as part of your work (certain areas of security in addition to the obvious ones like police). These are what I consider legitimate reasons to hold a firearm licence.

Personal or home security is not considered a legitimate reason. In addition the type and style of weapon allowed was also restricted post the 1996 Port Arthur Massacre (eg. No Semi-Automatic). So when you are saying that a legitimate purchase is one that is made within the law (in the US), I am saying a legitimate purchase is one where the gun is ACTUALLY NEEDED.

As for background checks - they dont really work do they as Charleston church massacre demonstrates - he passed a background check despite being arrested for drug possesion. Plus ANYONE can buy a gun without a check at a gun show. I just think of the number of lunatics I work with that I wouldn't trust with a gun, even if it was 1% of 1%, out of that 200,000 guns sold on black friday that's potentionaly 20 new lunatics out there with a gun that shouldn't have one.