Better background checks and a true assault rifle ban would have done a great deal. Can you possibly deny that?
*** update ***
In the comments, Adam D writes: "Just like drug laws have eliminated the sale of drugs, right?"
Nope. Kind of more like how border police have reduced illegal immigration and how fire departments have reduced fire damage and how highway patrol departments have reduced dangerous driving, etc etc etc.
Are you really arguing to eliminate all forms of law enforcment just because they are not perfect? I think this marks a new low in conservative "reasoning."
*** update 2 ***
@Adam D: I'm talking about deterrence.
A better background check system and the closing of the gun show loophole would both make it harder for people like Kelley to get guns in the first place. The continuing of old assault weapon ban plus a ban on high cap mags would have made the Las Vegas shooter less deadly.
In the same way, the mere presence of the highway patrol deters dangerous driving: you don't know if there's a smokey around the next turn so you take a little care. In the same way, neighborhood police patrols deter theft because thieves don't want to get caught in the act.
Just like in many other law enforcement areas, a little deterrence goes a long way.
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