I think our lack of success in suppressing drug markets should caution against optimism about our ability to shut down the firearms market. In other words, we should be skeptical that all we need to do to achieve the low rates of gun violence of other countries is to pass stricter licensing and other regulations. Frequently one hears the refrain that licensing for possessing and carrying firearms should be at least as strict as licensing for driving a car. In a number of states, like New York, it is as strict. But the argument for equating gun licensing with driver licensing exaggerates the efficacy of the latter.
People pay money for drivers licenses all over the country.
I would suggest that the driver licensing system achieves little more than collecting money from people. It works because it's easy to obtain a license and the fee is low. To a large extent, the idea of reducing firearms violence through the passage of more law is a bedtime story that people understandably want to believe. The reality is that the story will not happen in real life. Placing so much importance on it may divert us from a more sober-minded analysis of the very devastating problems that we face.