Different perspective:
I am a card carrying Gun Owner and the reason is that I grew up hunting/fishing and target shooting. My family has and always will protect the right to bear arms. These tragedies have IMO not much to do with guns, but with a whole host of other issues - mental illness being what appears to be a common denominator.
Assault weapons - can anyone define this term for me? Let me try - machine gun, uzi, ak47, m16, common theme is AUTOMATIC weapons. These are regulated heavily by the Federal Government and I don't really care for them. Have shot them at a range, but I don't feel the need to own one. First, figure between $8,000 and $15,000 for the gun, then about $500 in fees annually, ammunition quite expensive and really no use for them.
What is being miscatergorized are the AR15 type rifles - fire a 223 which is an overblown 22. Can it kill someone, yes, obviously, but so can just about any gun on the market. AR15 is a great target range weapon. Easy to handle, holds a good amount of ammo and is a pleasure to shoot.
My question/statement is very simple - Why give up my right to own/operate a weapon as a law abiding citizen? What did I do wrong? If I gave up this right, would it be for the greater good? NOT, Criminals would still easily obtain these guns, hand guns, machine guns, you name it. SO, in the end, I don't intend on giving up any of my rights anytime soon.
Gun issues make good campain fodder, but they sure as heck do not prevent crime.
Just my 2 cents
TD