You don't need a 30-shooter to defend yourself

So now that we know a little more about the situation in Arizona, many have turned their focus from the issue of inflamed political rhetoric to the issue of gun control.

I still believe that the hot-headed anti-government anger that we've witnessed over the last couple of years had to have had some influence on this young, deranged man. And as I said previously, I don't think that dialog should be silenced. But it should be denounced.

Now, some (like Arizona's John McCain) are saying that this event shouldn't force us to rethink our current, extremely lax gun laws.

Really?

What sort of danger are you envisioning where the need to fire off 30 bullets in less than five seconds is the only way to protect yourself? Are you just that bad of a shot that you need as many tries as possible?

I have no problem with someone buying a gun to protect their family, as long as they are prepared to handle the responsibility that goes along with it. But don't fucking tell me you need an arsenal to keep everyone safe. A nice six-shooter should do you just fine, Rambo.

Now, I understand the gun lobby is heavily invested in selling their firepower to every man, woman and child on the planet. Why wouldn't they be? The more guns and ammo they sell, the more money they make.

But it's time to strip them of that 2nd amendment cloak they've been wearing for years now. Stop pretending you give a shit about anyone's 'rights' and admit you're just trying to make a boatload of cash.

If you ever actually read the 2nd amendment, you'd realize it's a pretty bewildering set of words, open to quite a broad range of interpretations. But what it most certainly does not say is that everyone in America has a right to the most deadly type of firepower they can get their hands on.

Where does it stop? Is it okay to own a bazooka? How about a rocket launcher? Maybe a tank? How about a small nuclear missile? No? Too far?

Well, guess what? So is a semi-automatic pistol that can hold a 33-bullet clip. Nobody needs a weapon like that. The worst part? That gun was illegal up until 2004 when President Bush thought it was a good idea to let the semi-automatic weapons ban expire.

It's time to start attacking the gun lobby with same ferocity that has been directed at the tobacco lobby for the last 10 years or so. These people are pushing products whose sole intent is to cause the maximum amount of carnage as quickly as possible. It's fucking despicable and they need to be held accountable.

Will any of our politicians be brave enough to lead that fight? One can only hope.