I first came to America in 65, I was fortunate to be only 25 and soon became popular as a British radio DJ during the so-called British invasion, this was my FINEST hour because I made it all the way to Chicago's top station in 7 months.
    Later, after travelling in the the West, I saw how easy it was to buy a gun, ANY type that is from either classifieds, swapmeets (fleamarkets) or gun shows, the latter being like weapon meatmarkets ! So I bought several handguns and enjoyed trying my accuracy out at the many firing ranges, often in the gun shop areas, I wasn't that bad a shot either.
    Most of the gun owners I met over the years, were just regular, decent folk and they wouldn't ever go out and hurt anyone or in any way misuse or abuse their guns !
    In the 25 years I have lived in the US, onlyinterrupted by my foreign travels as a foreign correspondent, I have NEVER encountered a gun owner, which is MOST Americans that would simply get mad and shoot someone who was NOT a clear and present danger to their loved ones. I myself would not hesitate to use a gun in self defense, especially against dangerous predators who usually are often bigger, stronger, desperate and a whole lot meaner ! In cases of genuine self defense guns are absolutely the ONLY equlaizer and chance of survival (before the cops get there from the donut shops and many of them, even though armed and trained get shot too)
    I strongly believe in and support gun control when it comes to preventing deadly weapons getting into the hands of criminals and or demented, unstable types !
    At the same time in is unfair and urealistic to condemn and stereotype ALL Americans as potentially dangerous JUST because they own a gun. Britain is besieged daily with violent crimes that would and could have been prevented IF the victims had a gun to protect and defend themselves !
    So I say......let honest, decent citizens keep their weapons under strict controls of course but DENY those who should NOT be trusted with them. I realize it is difficult for authorities to decide who and who not should have access to guns and it IS impossible to mind read who or who may not suddenly lose it...for a whole bunch of reasons, from domestic to school problems and sheer vengeance for job loss,etc. But Alex Jones had a very good point when he put Piers Morgan rightfully in his snooty, arrogant place on national tv yesterday when he said......"    Guns aren't dangerous..people are " in so many words anyway. Guns do NOT shoo t themselves and he also correctly reminded that MANY British people,including very old seniors, as seen daily in the uk newspapers, are victims of deadly knife and assault crimes that also kill !
    Compromise is the answer in my opinion, comprise boards of peopel from various walks of life in the community including resposible gun owners and let them decide who and who not should obtain and own guns, that may not be the ultimate solution but it's a start !