the spirit with which Aidemzo claims he began this conversation has begun to take a condescending tone to all who disagree with his viewpoints on the subject. To be fair, I commend him on his ability thus far in maintaining a relatively even temperament. However, that commendation is only measured against my own shortcomings in that area.
Face it. This is a touchy subject. I suspect that there are an abundance of people on this forum that have elected to remain silent simply due to the emotional charge it provokes in so many. So while the majority of outspoken members here seem to weigh in favor of most of the views posted thus far regarding some measure of control, I am confident that there is a significant number of people reflecting the diametrically opposing view most of you have. Sadly, -and I do not exclude myself from the following- few could spell it out better than Max has thus far. If one reads what he has to say objectively there is much wisdom in what he speaks.
Further, while those of you in other countries comment this and that with regard to Americans in the stereotypical fashion this always seems to digress to, the simple fact of the matter is that yours is a view perceived through dark shades.
We Americans are not unaware of the way government sets up pretexts for what it wishes to accomplish. We have observed it within our own and we have observed it likewise in the countries you reside in. Laws and regulations are enacted in order to keep the people safe. They are done so with a specific target in mind. The people allow their passing in order to keep them safe from whatever threat is posed by the targets of such legislation. Yet, invariably the government begins using the new law in a far broader range than it was ever intended. And they do so within moments of the laws enactment.
So, while all of you in other countries, especially those having comparatively stricter gun control, make claims regarding how much safer your country is than ours. We just do not see it. Not in the news nor in statistics. Not having the ability to purchase and own firearms, it is easy to acquiesce to the need for others to be bound by the same restraints you have learned to live with. You, as outsiders make ridiculous claims of what you feel must be the reality here with regards to the personal safety of American citizens. Yet, in doing so your own suggestions proffered in avenues we might pursue to create a safer environment for us and our families is to become like you. Again, I (we) fail to see yours as any shining example of the way things could be. Moreover, almost without exception we perceive quite the opposite.
Statistics can be spun in any direction to suit the given agenda of the one making the citations may desire. Not that they do not have a valid purpose. More often than not, one must be wary of accepting them on face value as portrayed.
On the subject of safety, some of the quotes here regarding the laws of their country concerning when and where one is able to protect themselves or their families and to what extent just floor me with wonderment. How such is portrayed so calmly, in a matter of fact fashion with no apparent concern whatsoever is bewildering to me. Sure I want to make every effort to disarm a man in my own home who happens to be wielding a knife, baseball bat, machete or whatever in a threatening manner to my family with my bare hands. Yeah that's the typical train of thought I think most people would have. PERHAPS ON PLUTO! Or no wait! I should simply hope the phone lines haven't been cut and call 911. Then wait the 15 minutes or so for the cops to get here, determine it may be a hostage situation and consume another hour and a half or more assembling the HRT. That really makes you feel safe? For real? Perhaps Americans are indeed different from the rest of the world. Don't worry we will put these differences aside the next time you need to be freed from the totalitarian regime that your complacency has fostered. We will go and die on your land. If we haven't already died defending the ability to do so here on our own. After all, some things are worth dying for. And ours (or your) liberty is one thing we have always considered to be one of those things.
You see, most Americans simply do not trust in -nor do we perceive it to be a primary function of- our federal government to keep us safe. This is not to say we invite anarchy. Quite simply, by design, the larger burden of responsibility to that end lies with the lower branches of government. Federal laws and rules and the enforcement of such was never meant to supersede states' laws, but to support them as written in our Constitution. We as Americans are taught in our history and reminded daily of the unceasing vigilance necessarily maintained in order for our children and grandchildren to enjoy the same liberty we have. Complacency is the enemy.
While on the subject, and I suppose I must admit I have drawn the proverbial line in the sand so to speak, and for that I apologize, nevertheless, I am compelled to query those of you outside the USA as to where in the recent past the shift occurred in the sentiments of the rest of the world toward the American people? Does anyone know? Please do enlighten us. I mean I have my own ideas of when, where and why. But I would like to hear it firsthand.
Signed,

Not a clown.