In the long run, creating more and more federal mandates isn't productive. Eventually people will feel the effects of their diminishing freedom. Most people don't hunt or collect guns, and so they cannot see the restrictiveness of these laws. Maybe someday people will start getting in record numbers of car accidents. Should legislators then start making car companies install devices in all cars that limits speed to 55 mph? Or rather should we hold people responsible for their own actions (gasp)? The problem isn't everybody, it's the bad drivers. Make it tougher to get a license but don't become Big Brother and hold everyone back.

We put ourselves at risk everyday when we allow children to live in crack houses and are not tough enough on gun-related crime. But while more gun laws might help Clinton salvage his presidency or make some people sleep easier, guns will continue to thrive on the unregulated black market until we make attacking that a national priority.

Brad R. Sohn '02 is a government concentrator in Kirkland House. His column appears on alternate Mondays.