No one can agree on whether hand guns should be outlawed. "Outlaws will still have guns" is a common philosophy. But what if these guns were not produced in the first place? What if no gun could be manufactured with less than a 20" barrel? These could not be concealed, and would stem off the debate for both ends, and gun manufacturers would still have a commodity.

Sent by Lisa Emmons | 7:52 PM ET | 04-16-2007

After all the horrifying mass murders that have taken place in malls and schools (even the Omish schoolhouse) it is time to crack down on gun control. Australia has a very good system concerning the issuing of guns. Don't you believe the U.S. should begin a new, more strict strategy for gun control?

Sent by Julie Uppendahl | 8:07 PM ET | 04-16-2007

We must stop this senseless killing.

Sent by Tim | 8:42 PM ET | 04-16-2007

I was outraged to think about the "current occupant" (per Garrison Keillor) when listeing to today's and hearing the White House spokepersons comment in behalf of the president.

This White House led with a statement to assure the gun lobby and NRA that their political support was at the top of their agenda. What a shameful, transparent show of the political reality that this administration's first comment would speak to the right to bear arms.

Here's the comment from the spokesperson:

"A White House spokesman said President Bush was horrified and offered his prayers to the victims and the people of Virginia. "The president believes that there is a right for people to bear arms, but that all laws must be followed," spokeswoman Dana Perino said."

This is, once again, a sad commentary on this country's leadership.

John D. Cooper

Sent by John D. Cooper | 11:20 PM ET | 04-16-2007

Innocent people pay for the right for Americans to bear arms. Other countries choose a different path and sacrifice some rights for a safer society.

America chooses to be a gun society. Or does it? Seems to me that it's taboo subject that few politicians dare to raise.

Sent by Jonathan | 7:58 AM ET | 04-17-2007

Virginia allows licensed civilians to carry a concealed weapons, but the university does not. Care to predict how quickly the crazed offender would have been stopped if the university had the same good sense as the state? More people died because law abiding gun owners followed the rules.

Sent by Edward | 10:15 AM ET | 04-17-2007