First of all, I don't really follow your idea of a rational look at this. I own guns, and don't really like the gun laws in Canada either, But they're better than nothing. Nothing is what they have in the US. In my earlier rant, (May 21/99), I thought I made it clear that I was talking about ASSAULT WEAPONS. These are people-killing tools. Plain, and simple. You don't need to have a weapon that fires fifteen rounds per second in order to put meat into the freezer.
When is the last time that an automatic weapon was used in an offence in your town, Bill? It would be a regular occurance if you lived in anytown, USA. But you live in Canada. You can generally feel safe sending your kids to school. Or going for a walk with your wife.
Sure, I got ripped off, but I didn't go and strap on my heater, and go hunting criminals. Back to the USA thing. If this was Kentucky, by god, those little bastards would probably have had gats, and I WOULD have had to look for my quad with Smith and Wesson at my side. Then the criminal, myself, and the police (not including any armed bystanders) could have a big free for all.
Sound like the kind of neighbourhood you want to be a member of?
I do have to say that I agree with you that gun laws aren't going to stop "Mans inhumanity to Man", but I still don't think that the average citizen needs an AK47 for Duck-hunting.
-Skuncle
PS: You aren't welcome to hunt in Canada at all, Ted Nugent. And when you come to visit, shit in a bag and bring it home with you.