Responsible Gun Ownership

The key to containing gun violence is providing for and enforcing individual accountability for gun ownership. Minimum Federal guidelines should be established. The States can create even stricter standards.

- Licensure and training. Background checks are mandatory for all purchases.  All current gun owners and prospective purchasers must get a license to own and 'operate' a gun. To qualify the individual would have to demonstrate a knowledge of the rules of responsible gun ownership, and demonstrate proficiency as to the use of the specific weapon purchased.

- Automatic and semi-automatic weapons have only one purpose, to kill the most number of people in the least amount of time. There is no justification for use by anyone other than police or military. The sale and ownership of automatic and semi-automatic weapons must be banned.

- Strict controls of ammunition sales, as to both type and quantity.   For example, armor piercing bullets are prohibited. So are purchases over a certain quantity over a certain time period.

- Severe penalties for unlicensed ownership, unlicensed use, and especially if weapon is used in a crime.