Yes I'm sure it was sarcasm. The US has the highest murder rate of any western nation, and most of our murders are the result of gunfire. I think many of those murders would not occur if more decent people were also armed. An armed society is a polite society, criminals think twice about attacking an armed victim. Until you can reliably eliminate armed criminals, it is counterproductive to require unarmed citizens, unable to protect themselves and others.

This is not to say that ownership of guns is the reason for the above situation. We are a young and large country. Though we are largely of European decent, our history of having to extend the rule of law during the time when guns were the weapon of choice shaped our views. Had we tamed our nation with swords, or spears, we might have a different view.

Most nations had an armed citizenry but the weapons were mostly those that were less lethal at long range. Most disputes were settled with the sword or knife, in close "wet work".

I support the right to own guns set down in our Constitution. There have always been the crazies who were unfit to be trusted with lethal weapons, and this used to be controlled by decent armed citizens, today we try to control it with laws. We no longer settle things with a duel.

I think sensible laws to attempt to keep guns out of the hands of those who can not be trusted, and to limit the types of weapons in general circulation are reasonable.

I believe that:

1. Any sane, honest, citizen should be allowed to own guns.
2, All guns should be registered.
3. All gun owners should be trained in their use, and the laws of use.
4. Citizens should be able to get a license to carry with additional training.
5. Any person using a gun in other than defense, sport, or hunting should lose the right to own or use a gun for life.
6. Weapons designed for combat should not be legal. No private citizen needs a machine gun, bazooka, grenade launcher, howitzer, etc to protect himself or home.
7. Ammunition designed specifically for penetrating body armor, or
exploding on contact, should be restricted.

These days I own no guns, I have no need for them yet to protect myself, though if I live much longer that may change. I have been well trained in self defense at government expense. As long ago as high school I owned target rifles, and shot competitively. I belonged to the NRA until the loonies took it over. That's my two cents worth.