Gun Laws Debate - Palm Springs, CA

In my opinion, reforming gun laws is a waste of time. We must keep in mind that criminals don't give a damn what the laws are. The only people being affected by gun control are the law abiding citizens. I understand that James Holmes, the perp in the Colorado shooting, purchased his guns and ammo legally. However, someone that derranged and determined to commit such a horrible act could have gotten his hands on those weapons and ammunition by illegal means just as easily. Criminals do it every day. I have no problem with assault weapons being banned. I don't think anyone, other than police or military, have use for such weapons. However, gun control advocates go entirely too far. If most gun control advocates had their way, we would not be allowed to possess firearms at all, even in our homes or for hunting. I'm not saying every gun control advocate would want to take it this far, but I do believe most would. Gun control is taking guns out of the hands of law-abiding citizens who want to have a means to protect themselves and leaving them totally defenseless against criminals who could care less how many gun laws are passed. The criminals are probably actually thrilled when gun control is tight because it makes their crimes much easier to commit. They still get their hands on whatever weapons they want and our good citizens have no way of protecting themselves against these violent criminals. I am a retired police officer who moved here from another state. I understand that not every person possession guns is responsible. That is why certain levels of training and standards have to be met when applying for weapons permits in various states. Proper training is essential and I think strict training standards should be in place in any state where one would apply for a concealed weapons permit and if those standards aren't met, then permits should not be issued. I also have no problem with thorough background checks being conducted before firearms are purchased or permits are issued. However, California is a state that I feel is much too restrictive in issuing concealed weapons permits. Even if a person is able to pass a background check, firearms training classes and qualify on a range, they are not likely to be able to receive a concealed weapons permit in California. Good cause has to be stated, like your life being directly threatened by someone or a restraining order being in effect against someone posing a danger to you. We have countless shootings in public places, but yet this is not enough for a law-abiding citizen to receive a permit. This is exactly what all these criminals want who are killing innocent people in public places and who are committing countless armed robberies in our area when innocent people have no choice but to put up with it. When are our legislators going to wake up and realize that gun control laws we are passing and enforcing are restricting our good citizens from protecting themselves and their families in public and are only serving to further aid and abet the criminal element?

I'm from a state where possession of a firearm is as natural as possession of a wrist watch. I recently traveled and spent time in several states, to included California, where I later learned I was breaking the law the entire time I was there. LOL! Nobody, to include me, had the slightest idea the law was being broken in their presence. This just goes to show how ridiculous and unenforceable these laws are.

Negative, the current United States gun laws are fine. How will banning all firearms prevent crime involving firearms? Did banning alcohol, marijuana, cocaine or any other drugs work? No. If people, not people, but stupid thugs want to use weapons, they will, banning firearms will not prevent them. The only people you would hurt are the legal citizens who use them for hunting or recreational purposes

if they take our guns from us only the bad guys will have guns. how can we protect ourselves. the police can't be everywhere