It's not that I don't want it here, but I don't own the board...

The gun ownership / use issue is a distraction from the real problems in New Orleans anyway. The illegal use of guns isn't the problem... it's a nuisance, yes. But remove guns from the picture and New Orleans is still a mess.

If anything, the current situation in New Orleans makes the case for gun ownership. In the absence of the structure and support provided by society, people revert. What recourse do the physically weak have in a situation like this? How else will they defend themselves?

Sure, bad people use guns. Bad people also drive cars. Occasionaly they use cars in the commision of a crime. But no one would seriously suggest banning cars just to keep them out of the hands of bad people. Why are guns different?