A common question to both sides...

[discntnt_irny_srcsm]

93. How Machiavellian of you to provide that quote ;)

"...how do you justify gun control at all..."

18, U.S.C. §922 (g)(1)
Has been convicted in any court of a crime punishable by imprisonment for a term exceeding one year
18, U.S.C. §922 (n)
Is under indictment for a crime punishable by imprisonment for a term exceeding one year
18, U.S.C. §922 (g)(2)
Is a fugitive from justice
18, U.S.C. §922 (g)(3)
Is an unlawful user of or addicted to any controlled substance
18, U.S.C. §922 (g)(4)
Has been adjudicated as a mental defective or committed to a mental institution
18, U.S.C. §922 (g)(5)
Illegally or unlawfully in the United States
18, U.S.C. §922 (g)(6)
Has been discharged from the Armed Forces under dishonorable conditions
18, U.S.C. §922 (g)(7)
Having been a citizen of the United States, has renounced U.S. citizenship
18, U.S.C. §922 (g)(8)
Is subject to a court order that restrains the person from harassing, stalking, or threatening an intimate partner or child of such intimate partner
18, U.S.C. §922 (g)(9)
Has been convicted in any court of a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence

These circumstances have consequences specified by law and the restrictions of proper gun control should accompany them.

"The Declaration of Independence is not law" I didn't claim it was. Neither is this from Justice Story:
"The right of the citizens to keep and bear arms has justly been considered, as the palladium of the liberties of a republic; since it offers a strong moral check against the usurpation and arbitrary power of rulers; and will generally, even if these are successful in the first instance, enable the people to resist and triumph over them." (Commentaries on the Constitution of the United States. 3 volumes. Boston, 1833)

I have read about Joseph Story and believe him to be quite correct in his opinions.