When we focus on the perpetrators of crimes, including mass killings, the Gun Industry and its defenders say “there’s nothing we can do” and literally shoot down any suggestions to the contrary. Every gun used in a crime belonged to someone before the criminal. In many cases, the guns were sold direct to the criminal, by a store, by a dealer, by an individual. Let’s get that guy.
The Gun Industry will insist many guns used in crimes were stolen. Tthere are no stats, because the Gun Lobby shoots down every effort to accumulate stats. Nevertheless, the stolen gun belonged to a legitimate owner at one time. Let’s get that guy.
The Gun Industry is massively profitable. We can make the casual indifference of the bloody industry cost them dearly. We can shutdown and sue stores and dealers who sell guns and ammo used in crimes. We can fine and arrest owners who make no effort to secure their weapons from theft (or use by children). Make them pay.
Perhaps a few big lawsuits and arrests will wake up the Gun Industry and make them accept efforts to keep guns under control of someone who can be trusted with a gun and keep guns out of the hands of those who can’t be trusted. It can be done.
