The USA has millions of guns. Only a small fraction of these firearms are used in a bad way. Having said, needless firearm deaths can be avoided with sensible regulations.

The resistance to sensible firearm legislation is puzzling. I have encountered more than a few Americans who believe government is held in check because so many Americans have firearms. Whether they truly believe in this hypothesis or this is just an excuse not to get a firearm license is kind of hard to tell. But in either case, there is a big disconnect between government and the citizenry here. Maybe this disconnect is deserved; maybe not.

But it is a sign that American democracy is not working. It's time for a new way.