[AGE]

Hermit,

It is a fact that gun accidents in the U.S. go down every year in spite of what the media implies. Our politicians (at least the more responsible ones) know this and we remind them often. Nevertheless, many states mandate gun storage rules when there is a danger of unauthorized access by children.

In addition, it is becoming more well known that firearms are used successfully to ward off attacks many more times than they are involved in accidents.

Finally, legislation has now passed in 32 of our 50 states to permit concealed carry permits (on demand) for qualified citizens. Applicants must have a clean background and undergo safety training and testing for the permits. Obviously, at least some of our politicians trust their citizens.

Also, we remember how defenseless England was at the beginning of WWII and how they asked U.S. sportsmen to send firearms for their homeland defense (most of which were destroyed rather than returned after the war).

I believe the U.S. guys are very responsible people who are careful about access to their guns by children, incompetents, etc. although they are a little paranoid about home defense and like to talk a lot.