General Discussion
In reply to the discussion: Fuck it! I'm sick of pro gun arguments and advocates. [View all]Thunderbeast
(3,408 posts)I have a proposal for those who still believe that unlimited access to any kind of firearm is more important than the safety of our children. Let's let gun owners bear the true costs of their choices.
Just as drivers share the risks associated with car ownership by having mandatory insurance, gun owners should be required to show that they can bear the financial burden imposed on families and society when their weapon is used in a crime, suicide, or results in death, injury, or property damage as a result of an accident.
Each weapon should be insured (or post a bond) to cover the costs of civil and criminal risk.
A gun owner would be liable for any activity involving the weapon until it is destroyed or ownership is transferred to a qualified registered legal adult owner. Stolen and lost guns REMAIN the liability of the last legal owner.
Proof of liability insurance would be required in order to use the weapon at a range. Ammunition purchases would also require linkage to a licensed, insured, legal weapon. Law enforcement would have the right to inspect any weapon used in outdoor settings. Proof of insurance would also be required at that time. Uninsured guns would be confiscated and destroyed.
Gun owners believe that their entitlement is non-negotiable. Let's let actuaries and risk assessment professionals gauge the true costs of gun ownership to victims and society, and fairly assess those costs to the owners. Premiums would be based on risk factors such as owner experience, security measures, and lethality of the weapon. Based on what just happened in Roseburg, with 16 known casualties, it would be reasonable to expect financial accountability and insurance on the order of at least $100 Million for an assault rifle. Again, let professionals assess the risk, and determine appropriate premiums.
The most recent school shooting in Oregon (before Roseburg) was last year at Reynolds High School. A judge this week ordered the return of the murder weapon to the dead shooter's brother who owned the gun. No liability was assessed to him, though his weapon was used to murder a 14 year old child as well as the suicide of his own brother.
Dollars will not make up for the trauma and pain suffered. Gun owners MUST, however, take financial responsibility for the cost of their dangerous fetish. You have the right to fill your garage with AR-15s, but only if you can bear the real cost (via insurance or bond), and not transfer those costs to victims and society.
Let the market decide!