there are some very good points made in this thread, specifically about the fact that there are some societies with lax gun controls, and still without the level of gun violence that the USA has. also, that there is plenty of violence in societies without guns.

perhaps the issue facing america is the gun culture rather than gun laws. if you guys are happy living with a culture where one person in 105 has to use a firearm every year then go for it. personally, i am glad the culture in australia is different. and glad our laws make it highly unlikely that we will follow your example.