[Clinging Bitterly]

Yeah we should talk about this.
These sniper/assault/whatever weapons are a danger to civilians (actually, everyone), when they are allowed into the wrong hands.

"In the wrong hands" being the key phrase here.

I don't know if statistics have ever been gathered, but just what do you suppose the numbers would tell in a comarison of the number of innocents killed by armed government employees (a class that virtually nobody in the political establishment seeks to disarm) to the numbers of those killed by the general population of civillian gunowners? I might be all wet, but I have a pretty good guess of who would come out smelling better here.

How about the felony conviction rates of the same two groups? Which class do you suppose stands a greater chance of having one in their lifetime?

Those oughta be some interesting things to talk about, if you're seriously interested in finding ways to improve the overall safety of American citizens.

Dave in Eugene

[Vidalia]

PUT DOWN THAT AXE to grind, Dave in EUGENE, for several small furry animals with picts are running away.

Some day Sid will let you know what the answer is...

[Redbob]

Actually, the statistics HAVE been gathered.
See the Dept. of Justice study on the effectiveness of the "assault weapon" ban on reducing crime.
It's on their website.

Says the "ban" took "assault weapons" off the streets simply because it made them so highly collectible!
But no measurable effect on crime.

Talk about yer unintended consequences...