To make America great again, Trump must first tackle gun laws
■ US President Donald Trump loves to rabble-rouse. His latest comments are designed to get him attention and sell ‘The Sun’ newspaper. I invite him to take a look at his own country before attacking others so gratuitously.
There are more guns than people in the US. The National Rifle Association (NRA), notably supported by Mr Trump, claims the good guy (with a gun) can take out the bad guy (with a gun) and thus prevent a greater number of deaths. It even proposes arming and training teachers to use weapons in schools to protect children.
But let’s 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 (63pc and 33.3pc respectively). In 2015, of all deaths by suicide, 70pc were white men and in almost half of the total deaths by suicide, a firearm was used.
The maths is simple. Gun laws in America are not working, especially for white men.
What can be done by the president? 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 could be borrowed at gun clubs for target practice; farmers who need rifles for pest control can be licensed, etc. The vast majority of people do not need to have guns in their homes or to carry a weapon as they walk around the shopping centre or collect their children from crèche.
Pick a date and hold an amnesty for firearms to be decommissioned at local centres. Task the NRA with organising the official hand-over (supervised by the US military). America would be great again as peace broker at home and inspirational leader abroad.
Alison Hackett