it WAS the great thing about America. So, if you hate guns and my right to own them in any form, that is fine. But do not infringe on my right to do so as I will not infringe or attempt to jam my moral/ethic code on you. Ask an Aussie how it was when the government went door to door to take guns away. Ask about the increase in crime as criminals could be pretty sure that they had free access to homes with no fear of 9mm retribution from a startled owner. Ask that Aussie how he felt clutching a knife or axe, as some of the posters here claim are suitable replacements, when an armed intruder, or even unarmed intruder, made his way in. Ask him how it felt to have to fight hand to hand to stop the assault on his home and family. Criminals will always have access to guns. Period. Why take away a deterrent? Why make it easier for the government to continue the erosion of rights? You may laugh and cry out about conspiracy theories and how it will never happen in the good old USA.... But the Aussies thought the same thing. As did the Brits. And look at how they are fighting an uphill battle to regain their swiftly lost rights.