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>>1767
There are still state militias. I don't know about every state, but a lot of states still have an organization, mostly populated by decrepit old veterans, retired police officers, and a handful of ultra-right-wing basket cases. These state militias need refurbishing, to be sure, and new leadership, but I think they could still provide something our armed services lack: community.
Gun owners need community. We have too many people buying guns and then falling off the radar. We don't have to invade their privacy or subject them to searches or seizures to establish their mental health and gun safety practices. Rather, we make militia membership mandatory--by state law in as many states as possible--for all registered gun owners. The militias could offer competency and safety training, as well as keeping an eye on the general well-being of its members. Give a minimum required attendance like one or two events per year, and require licensing to prove safety training. Give benefits to gun owners with extra licensing; reduced taxes or fines, insurance, etc.
Will that solve our black market gun problem? No.
Is that a valid counter-argument? No.
The real problem with the gun debate is that predominant faction of the pro-guns side that has no idea why it wants more guns in more hands and no concept of what having guns does to people. By binding gun ownership to a community that will encourage their safe use and knowledgeability, we could not only decrease shooting incidents but perhaps even change the course of these stupid debates.