I understand your feeling on this matter, but I would be willing to bet that if you investigate the shootings in your city, the vast majority are involving illegally obtained firearms. Most violent crimes are committed with illegal firearms. Why would a criminal who is willing to commit armed robbery or murder decide to obey a gun law? Stricter gun control laws only affect law abiding citizens who almost always would'nt commit a violent crime in the first place. They don't address the core problem, WHY IS THE CRIME BEING COMMITTED IN THE FIRST PLACE? Also, many people own guns for hobbies, collecting, hunting and yes, personal protection of life and property. Hope you will consider the points made in this comment.