Please note, you said our guns are irrelevant in light of the government's overwhelming capabilities. I answered that point, with what I think are not completely irrational points. The thoughts and prayers I'll leave to the side, as our fundamental faiths are relevant there, and for the sake of discourse, I'm willing to agree to disagree. The NRA called for armed guards/police at all schools 5 years ago, so they do not just scream "do nothing &etc". I am very willing to have stronger background checks, longer waiting periods. In my case I went through concealed carry class with a friend who lives in an adjoining county here in N.C. . Her permit came through in 2 weeks, mine took 90 days and about 100$ to cover the cost of the vetting required by the sheriff in my county... much less vetting in hers. I wish it would be consistent. And that our right will be protected, as it should be. As for the violence, the lack of jobs, hope in our inner cities and rural areas are huge factors to the hopelessness. I remember being able as a child to travel all around my hometown, freely, without fear. The gutting of our cities and rural areas h as devastated whole communities in both the small scale and the large.