With a ban on assault weapons sales and strict regulations on guns already in private possession, we would more closely resemble other democratic societies to which we like to compare ourselves.
There is no need to recite the litany from Columbine to Uvalde. Nor do we have to add up the dead and the far larger—uncountable—number of wounded and traumatized children and adults who have been directly affected by the slaughter. Thoughts and prayers, whether offered sincerely or cynically, no longer soothe. In the face of Second Amendment zealots, appeals to common sense falls on deaf ears and Republican intransigence.
So enablers of the Second Amendment zealots, after offering their thoughts and prayers, suggest all sorts of proposals that would be laughable were it not for the seriousness of the problem. Good guys with guns to the rescue—most mass shooters kill themselves before the “good guys” even fire a shot. Equip local police with military-grade weapons and vehicles, all of which has yet to prove effective. Arm teachers.
Next, all gun owners need to be licensed and the license, much like a driver’s license, must be regularly renewed for a modest fee. A “good guy” this year may encounter a bad patch—a divorce, loss of job, a bout of depression—and become a “bad guy.” This could be dealt with by red flag laws but, presently, a red flag depends on porous mental health screenings or the willingness of family, friends, and associates to report their concerns.