"Our ranking in violent crime ought to be reason for anyone to see the need for new gun laws."

This myth, that violent crime will be reduced by tougher gun laws, is easily refuted. Chicago, for example, has the most gun murders of any major US city, yet some of the toughest gun laws.

What we need, for starts, to reduce violent crime is far tougher prosecution and punishment of violent criminals. No plea bargaining, no quick parole, no easy confinement.

BTW, last year's most effective weapons for mass murder were trucks, not guns.