"If you're willing to have a stash of pepper spray because dogs are a problem, consider how well people will respond to gun laws in places like Oakland. Those who do comply only shift the balance of arms more in favor of the thug side. That's why I'm very much in favor of programs that are effective against gangs; those are the groups doing most of the killing."
Jeremy, gangs seem to be the main source of thuggery in this country too. I wouldn't count on my pepper spray being much defense against them if the decided to target me, but most gang related violence in this country seems to be aimed at other gang members. Occasionally an innocent bystander gets in the crossfire, but it's rare enough that I don't feel very threatened. I am also not convinced that my owning a gun would make any difference. Most of the victims don't even see the violence coming. But at the heart of it, gangs here just don't have easy access to lots of guns. So yes, do something about gangs (without infringing on the individual rights of people to associate with whoever they choose), but also do something about gang members (and other thugs) being able to carry weapons illegally. If this means giving the police more power to search and frisk, so be it IMHO. Law-abiding citizens have nothing to fear from this, right? Of course, if I were searched and frisked while out walking my dogs, I would get in some trouble for carrying pepper spray, but it would not be a major felony, probably just a confiscation and slap on the wrist. Plus, I look every bit like an unsuspicious law-abiding citizen, so chances of me getting frisked are not great. Actually, the average pro-second amendment American would be horrified to learn that pretty much all weapons are forbidden from being carried on your person, unless you are a cop or a hunter. So knives are out too. And even cops and hunters have to carry their weapons in a locker in their vehicle until they think they will use it. It doesn't stop me from grabbing my rock-hammer and pepper spray when I hear or see something that worries me (if I'm at home). It also doesn't stop violence of all sorts. But it does limit it to more savoury violence like domestic and child abuse, which our country is very good at (sarcasm).
Also, as far as I know (which isn't very far), gangs don't usually seem to be involved in mass shootings of innocents...that's usually done by a lone looney, and that happens here too, as in China, as in pretty much everywhere. All changes to gun laws can do is to possibly reduce the number of people killed and injured. As Miguel would say, how do you know if you don't at least give it a try and see if it helps? Again, law abiding citizens should have nothing to fear from these changes...