US should impose blanket guns ban

THE National Rifle Association (NRA) and President Donald Trump claim the good guy (with a gun) can take out the bad guy (with a gun) and thus prevent a greater number of deaths. They even propose arming and training teachers to use weapons in schools to protect children.

Consider some statistics about guns and suicide in the US. In 2013, almost twice as many firearm deaths were caused by suicide as by homicide (63% and 33.3% respectively). In 2015, of all deaths by suicide, 70% were white men. In almost half of the suicides, a firearm was used.

The math is simple: the current gun laws in America are not working (especially for white men).

What can be done? Enact a new law, pass an amendment — whatever it takes to maintain the right for the military and police to hold firearms, then ban private ownership of guns. Firearms can be borrowed at gun clubs for target practice; farmers who need rifles for pest control can be licensed. The vast majority of people do not need to have guns in their homes.

Pick a date and hold an amnesty for firearms to be decommissioned at local centres. Task the NRA with organising the official handover (supervised by the army).

America great again as peace-broker at home and inspirational leader abroad.

ALISON HACKETT By email