Here is a another way that all the guns are making us less safe.
I served on a jury last week, a criminal trial for a man accused of armed robbery. So I am listening to the description of the crime; they alleged that this guy waved a gun in a couple of young men's faces and stole their iPhone and some snacks front he mini-mart. No real proof that any of this actually happened, and no evidence that put the defendant at the scene, but whatever..... But what was really interesting, now that I reflect a bit, is my reaction to the accusations. First I thought, I really don't care all that much if a guy took $20, a phone and a honey bun, at least not enough to give up three days of my life. And then I thought, I really don't care about the gun either. The accepted norm in our society is that anyone has the right to be incredibly irresponsible with firearms and face no consequences for their actions, so why should I judge this situation any differently?
I know that reaction is not particularly defensible, and that it would be terrifying to be held at gun point, but I am also terrified by the idea that people can carry assault rifles in Target and that it is perfectly legal to stalk and murder teenagers, at least in the state of Florida. So why should I be all that shocked or concerned about a petty theft that involves a gun? I guess I am just deadened to the horror of guns now. With a mass shooting every week and the complete unwillingness of politicians to actually do anything about it, it is hard to be otherwise.
Please note that if I thought the state had proved guilt beyond a reasonable doubt, I would have voted to convict. But I am so overexposed to irresponsible gun use, it is hard to keep how dangerous they really are in perspective anymore 
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You have been assimilated.
