"Guns Don't Cause Violent Crimes, Poverty Does": A Response

I found this discussion on a Pagan forum found here

The question is..."Why do you dislike guns?" then the OP posts "facts" about guns.

Now, I don't like guns, but I also don't dislike guns. I'm kind of in the middle. I don't like the irresponsible people who purchase guns. My stance on guns is that only those in authority should have access to hand guns. There is NO LOGICAL reason for the average citizen to own a hand gun (I personally do NOT care what the constitution says about the "right to bear arms". That was drafted long ago when people were responsible, unlike today where irresponsible CHILDREN obtain guns to make them feel tough). No logical reason! (and I stand by that statement). The only use for a hand gun is defence (or in most cases in todays common youth is offence). Only those in authority (police, military) should have access and use of hand guns. I also think guns such as AK-47's and other military grade weapons should not be accessable to the average citizen; they should NOT be distributed in gun stores. Again, NO LOGICAL use for such guns.

I have absolutely NO problem with shotguns or rifles, coming from and marrying into families of hunters. Hunting is something legitimate that guns may be used for. Hunting for food (not for mere sport) is the only way I support guns and gun ownership.

There is nothing anyone can say or show me that will make me support any gun ownership for other reason than authoritative use and hunting. IMO one must go through rigorous training, and licencing for hunting purposes in order to obtain a hunting gun. If the gun is used in any way other than hunting for food purposes (for example, robbery, gang or drug related crimes), the gun is removed, the person either imprisoned, or forced into military work and sent overseas.

Now, I agree that it's not the gun that causes the crimes. Really, an object cannot commit a crime, and I agree that a person can commit crimes with other objects than a gun, however, guns (especially in the US) are more readily available and accessable to the average person, with nothing more than merely a 5 day waiting period, and even if someone has a history of weapons offences, they still are able to obtain a gun for whatever purpose they wish.

It makes me sad when people fight tooth and nail for gun rights, rights for people who wish to use guns to injure and kill other people. Boo hoo, guns don't kill people, people kill people...yeah, after purchasing them from somewhere. It's also interesting that the OP claims it's people in poverty who own guns and kill. Hmmm....perhaps if they used the money they spend on a stupid gun to buy food or better clothes to get a better job, perhaps they wouldn't be in poverty in the first place, now would they?? I've lived in poverty for almost all my life. I don't own a gun, no one in my immediate family owned a gun (parents, sisters, etc). I don't allow guns in my home. I don't need a gun to live. I have never needed a gun, I don't ever feel like I need a gun, and I highly doubt I will ever get a gun! Sorry, but that blows this OP's theory right out the window!