Look at American violent crime rates by demographics - most of them are the same as Canada's. My main point is gun's aren't the PRIMARY reason for the homicides here.
The theoretical reason for gun ownership is so the population can resist tyranny. Obviously in the 21st century with modern technology this isn't the same.
Because there's already so many guns in the States - including many illegal ones in the hands of criminals - it's necessary to allow people to buy them. Keeping prospective gunowners disarmed in such a country is insane. I used to live in a bad neighborhood and owning a firearm was necessary at the time and afforded me a lot of security.
