Sigh. Let's Have That "Assault Weapon" Gun Ban Talk

First of all, let me say:  There is no such thing as an "Assault Weapon".  This is a politically inspired, media driven catchphrase that is intended to put a perjorative spin on firearms.  There ARE assault rifles:

 1.   as·sault ri·fle   

Noun A rapid-fire, magazine-fed automatic rifle designed for infantry use.

They are, as you can see, intended for military use.  Since the passage of the Gun Control Act of 1968, civilians have been prohibited, unless they have prior clearance from Federal or State authorities, from owning an assault rifle.  So the use of the term "Assault Weapon" by the media is grossly misleading.

So, since the entire narrative since the tragedy of Newtown has been a ban on these "Assault Weapons", let's take a look at how out of control our gun-toting country has become.  Because, to listen to the media, and in particular, Piers Morgan (vile), we irresponsible gun owners are out to shoot everyone on sight.   

First, let's look at crime statistics from 2001 to 2010 (last years available on fbi.gov website):

Violent Crime:  Down 13.4%
Murder and Non-Negligent Homicide:  Down 8.0%
Murders:  Down 14.8% from 17,209 in 2006 to 14,745 in 2010

 (Source)

Ok, so crime rates, as far as guns and homicides go, is decreasing. So, how about those gun ownership rates?  Are they going down also?

Nope. As you can see gun ownership rates have been steadily climbing since 2005 (beginning year reported on the ATF website). 

(Source)

Liberals, Progressives and the media NEVER move into the direction of personal responsibility after these tragic shootings.  But do not let them win the argument that guns are the problem when we have a national tragedy such as the shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary. 

The type of gun, or how many bullets the magazine holds, is not the problem.  The evil person that is pulling the trigger is the problem. The only type of "control" this country needs is self-control.  The kind of self-control that comes with acting as a responsible, respectful, productive member of this society, and expecting others to do the same.  Until we do this, we can only wait for the next tragedy to strike.

God help our country.