We should ban semiautomatic weapons. Automatic weapons have been severely restricted in this country since 1934. They are of no use for sport and are not intended for use other than in military engagement. The government is not fit to decide what warrants adequate protection. The outlawing of assault weapons is nothing more than a first step towards a thinly veiled plan to ban all weapons in this country.
Gun laws punish honest citizens.
Criminals will arm themselves anyway. Criminals intent on obtaining guns will find a way to circumvent legislation. The only ones hurt by tighter restrictions are regular citizens who want the weapons either for sport or self-protection. Even if criminals are intent on acquiring guns, the cost, time, and risk involved would be far higher if there were strict gun laws on the books. Incidents such as the Columbine High School shooting demonstrate that, where guns are easily accessible, they can often fall into the hands of minors and others with tragic consequences.