@JohnDB i appreciate your point of view and your reasoning.
I think we disagree on guns but we agree on a lot of other things.
Look,
When the first automobiles came out the first cars were made at a production rate of four per month. Everyone used horses. Livery and feed stores were everywhere....even in NYC where they used to shovel several tons of horse and mule dung every day. Gasoline was available only in cans at these feed stores...it was expensive. But the problem was the manure....people wanted to travel but they didn't want the poop. And cars were not a viable option. YET.
When it comes to guns....every creature has a self defense mechanism of some kind....claws, teeth, extra hard shell, stingers, and etc.
We the people want the self protection but we don't want the criminals getting guns to create mischief or crime. A 110 lb woman is not going to do well in a fist fight with a 230 lb guy who seeks to do her harm. If she has a firearm she has a great chance of brandishing the weapon and him running away in fear. (Happens a LOT more than what is reported) if necessary she can put holes in him.
Also street gangs only understand and respect violence. A father or mother will protect their children with shocking brutality against such thugs...and at times its been necessary.
Concealed carry works...and works well. It has stopped many crimes...but most people do not report such things to the police...they go on with their day and don't bother with reporting because no one got robbed or hurt and no shots were fired. (It happens a LOT too)