How To: End the Gun Control Debate

Since my post "How to Save the Postal Service" was such a huge hit earlier this week, I thought it was time I came back and solved another thorny issue.

Gun Control.  It's been a hot topic for years, but no one with the power to do anything has wanted to do anything.

Tired of sitting on the fence not feeling represented by either party, I decided it was time to put forth a proposal that maybe, just maybe, is one reasonable people can get behind.

Ready?  Deep breath.



Anyone should be allowed to own any gun they want.

1. Every gun must be registered, including ballistics on file with a centralized database.  A yearly fee must be paid for continued gun ownership.

2. Proof of ownership must be shown on a yearly basis.

3. Any gun theft must be reported within 24-hours.  If you fail to do so and the gun is used in the commission of a crime, you will be charged as an accessory.

4. Only certain types of guns may be stored in the home.  The remainder must be stored in a licensed facility and checked out before use.

5. Only a certain number of working guns may be stored in the home.  The guns must be insured and the guns must be noted on the homeowner or renter's insurance.  Landlords may choose to ban guns from rental properties.

6. Collector guns must be rendered inoperable and shall be subject to all the same laws and regulations.

7. Seized guns must be destroyed, they cannot be auctioned off.

8. Bullets shall be heavily taxed.  The revenue from the taxes and from the licensing of the firearms will be used to offset the cost of gun violence in the community where the purchase/licensing takes place.

9. In the event of a gun discharge in the home that's ruled to not be a clear case of "Stand Your Ground", the residence will be declared a "gun-free zone" for five years and all guns in the home must be surrendered or moved to a secure location off-site.

10. You must be licensed to own a gun.  Yearly license renewals require continuing education into gun safety.

There you have it... you've probably noticed that my proposals are based on cars.  Cars are powerful tools that have a useful purpose, but also can become an accidental or intentional deadly weapon.  Licensing of cars and drivers do not prevent all deaths, accidental or intentional, nor does it prevent the theft of a car or driving by an unlicensed driver.

But I think this is a fair and balanced approach that allows gun ownership, promotes their safe use, creates a revenue stream for the government to get involved at a safe level, as well as opens up new entrepreneurial opportunities in the areas of sub-agents for licensing and compliance as well as storage, gun ranges and pro shops.