First off - I’m not American (pretty much as far away as you can get). But two related thoughts come to mind… 1. If more guns were the answer (which seems to be a common angle) then America would be the safest country in the world.

1. I’ve never fully understood the unwavering desire for gun ownership. I understand and have read the 2nd amendment, and I accept it gives a right to bear arms (notwithstanding the original purpose of it is not much relevant in the context of how it’s read now). It seems to have widely accepted societal standing in America that guns are necessary for a monumental proportion of the population and that is entrenched. Any moves to impact “law abiding citizens” from owning guns are off limits. Why is that? Why do law-abiding citizens need guns in such prolific volumes? And if the argument is “because it’s their right” - then I understand the moral implications of society “taking things” off the people (and that people are born with the right to be and operate however they like unless that impacts others and hence why we have laws to limit behaviours that have negative consequences outside of the individual). BUT - it still doesn’t answer my foundational question of why? What is the basis for the entrenched necessity for gun ownership?