Reply #1: I am unfamiliar with the Canadian system. How's this for a proposal : [View All]

[hedgehog]

Everyone's name goes on a list of people eligible to purchase a fire arm. The default assumption is that you are allowed to own a firearm. If you know of someone who should not have access to firearms, whether because they are, in your opinion, mentally ill or apt to fire the gun in anger, you can alert a special court to your concerns. Maybe if someone gets a restraining order against you, you automatically get a review from the gun court. If you are convicted of certain crimes, you automatically are referred to the court. Maybe if you are a gang member, the police can ask for a review.

I don't think anyone thinks criminals should have free access to firearms. The problem is, often the first crime a person commits involves a fire arm. WE need to keep guns out of the hands of some people before they hurt someone.