As much as I agree with the sentiment and reality of what you're saying I want to stress to you that these solutions can happen in parallel. If there are easy common-sense measures we can enact to reign in the gun lobby we should do so, while focusing on the more noble pursuits you mentioned. I don't see the benefit of simply ignoring a viable solution while the carnage continues. Why not both? Don't you think the benefit of saving more lives is worth adding a few inconveniences (read: NOT bans, NOT confiscation) for gun owners? Which is more important here?

You also need to remember that life in America has not been the same for every class of people. You look back and think "the good ol' days" but many people look back and fear those times. 

I'm for the values you state, but not at the expense of vulnerable populations among us. Those shared values should unite us all and not favor a single denomination or religion. We should be able to come together with our differences in tact.