It’s been a pretty nasty year for gun violence in America. So far this year, we’ve had 353 mass shootings (according to Wikipedia, the FBI doesn’t specifically define mass shooting, it does define mass murder, calling it a single incident in which a perpetrator kills four or more people, not including himself or herself. The FBI defined mass murder to distinguish it from serial murder), the latest being the one in San Bernardino, where a terrorist-connected couple shot and killed 14 people and wounded 13.

I’ve ranted on this before, but the proliferation of weapons in America needs to stop. I still do not understand why anyone should be able to buy (or have access to) an assault weapon.

The Wall Street Journal did an article in August that specifically gave evidence linking gun ownership to increased numbers of mass shootings. I know some gun owners will have an issue with this, but it doesn’t take a rocket scientist to make this connection.

Why should anyone be able to buy a gun and use it in whatever capacity they want? Let’s compare gun ownership to being able to drive a car (which can also be a pretty effective method of destruction). You need to be of a certain age, physical capabilities, have a thorough knowledge of driving which you are tested upon. You need to acquire a drivers’ license in order to operate a vehicle. You need to renew the license. And most importantly, you need insurance on your car before you can operate it legally.

Why don’t we do the same thing with gun ownership (I’m avoiding talking about banning guns completely, although that’s my first inclination)? Put all the same types of controls in place. If you insist on owning a hunting rifle or a handgun (for defense—totally ridiculous and just another manifestation of fear engendered by the NRA), you must go through the same steps: age-appropriate; physical ability (mental ability should be included); training; testing; and licensing for every single gun (make it expensive); and most importantly, each gun owner has to pay for high-value liability insurance for every gun he or she owns. If a gun that you own hurts another, then you are liable, whether you shoot it or not. Period. There should also be a liability “pool” for the idiots who don’t buy liability insurance. Or let’s go even further, how about we tax the crap out of ammunition?

Getting rid of guns has been a theme throughout my adulthood. I am sick of seeing people hurt, maimed and killed at the hands of idiots, madmen and religious fanatics. I am tired of seeing innocent bystanders being victims of gun violence. I’m weary of gutless politicians who will not do anything to solve this problem for fear of losing support from lobbies or the fear of not being elected by voters who have been brainwashed by media, marketers, and political parties who have made their reputations on fanning the flames of fear in the populace.

This is an issue that is totally relevant to New Orleans. Do you know how many people I’ve heard talk about how crime in this city is the thing that holds this city back? When is enough, enough? Adding the liablity factor to this issue could do nothing but good.