The other day I happened upon a really stupid quote about gun violence. It went something like this: "Saying that guns cause murders is like saying that steering wheels cause car wrecks."

Those of us who believe in universal background checks rather than the insanity of a gun show loophole that allows anyone to purchase virtually any type of firearm in any quantity at any time without restriction don't blame "guns" for the problem. We blame people. That's why we want universal background checks.

Let's get back to that specious analogy about the steering wheel. Before you're allowed to get behind one, you're required to pass both a written and road test before being issued a driver's license. You're then required to register your vehicle and have it inspected annually. You're also required to renew your license every 4 years and pass an eye exam. Once you're on the road there's an entire book of laws and regulations you're expected to adhere to: regulations restricting how fast you can drive; driving while under the influence; stopping at red lights ... etcetera, etcetera ...

Does anyone in their right mind believe that if we removed these laws and regulations fewer people would die in car wrecks? That having laws and regulations restricting the behavior of people who get behind the wheel of a car doesn't save lives? Then how can you possibly believe that placing restrictions on gun ownership doesn't save lives as well?

If we placed the same restrictions on owning an AR-15 as we do on driving an SUV, we'd have a whole shitload less of those murders being committed by people with guns.