Today I sent this proposed 3 step solution to the mass shooting epidemic to my Congressman, Senators, and President Obama. It is simple in nature, but I believe we could accomplish this plan.
First, we must ban the non-military sale or purchase of these Bushmaster weapons and others like them beginning on Jan 1, 2013 (Or some other date SOON)
Next, we initiate a buyback program for all such weapons. $250 per gun? $500 per gun? I don’t know the right answer, but I know that our children’s lives, the ones we save, are worth it. This buyback program should be for a specific period of time – 6 months maybe, no more than 1 year.
Third, we prosecute for possession of the weapon after the buyback program is ended. Possession of such a weapon should bring an automatic 1 year federal prison sentence.
This plan of course, does nothing to address the broader issues of mental health, registration, licensing, etc. However, gun buyback programs work. I want to see action.
Ideas, anyone? What do you think we should do?
This is my first diary - please go easy on me.