bighairymike: Is total elimination the only outcome that will slake this thirst?

You keep repeating this as if there's a sizeable percentage of the population who advocate total elimination. Jeez, I'm probably as pro-gun safety as anyone here and I would never in my wildest dreams advocate total elimination of guns.

Here, try these:

1. Let's treat guns like cars and require every buyer, of any age, to obtain a license that includes a registration of all purchases plus at least a modest training program.

2. Background checks for all private sales and restrictions on multiple purchases.

3. Allow family members or law enforcement to petition a court to temporarily bar an at-risk person from buying firearms.

4. Some states have gag laws that prevent doctors from talking about guns with a patient, especially children. How about encouraging physicians to discuss guns with patients in different ways.

5. Technology. I need to scan my face or use a finger/thumb print to use my phone. Why not a gun?

6. Research. In 1996, Congress passed the Dickey Amendment which mandated that no CDC funds could be spent on research that 'may be used to advocate or promote gun control.' Umm, why? Restrictions on research funding have had devastating consequences on what we know -- and what we don't -- about gun violence.

There, I didn't take away a single gun.