USCCB: Wasting More Oxygen

To no one's surprise, the USCCB has "solutions" to murderers of the nutbag, gang-banger, or Moslem persuasion.  Let's read their thoughts!

...our leaders must engage in a real debate about needed measures to save lives and make our communities safer.  The USCCB continues to urge a total ban on assault weapons, which we supported when the ban passed in 1994 and when Congress failed to renew it in 2004.
In addition, the bishops have supported:

• Measures that control the sale and use of firearms, such as universal background checks for all gun purchases;
• Limitations on civilian access to high-capacity weapons and ammunition magazines;
• A federal law to criminalize gun trafficking;
• Improved access to mental health care for those who may be prone to violence;
• Regulations and limitations on the purchasing of handguns; and
• Measures that make guns safer, such as locks that prevent children and anyone other than the owner from using the gun without permission and supervision.

While acknowledging the Second Amendment of the U.S. Constitution and related jurisprudence, we live in a fallen world with daily advances in modern technology. Some weapons are increasingly capable of easily causing mass murder when used with an evil purpose. Society must recognize that the common good requires reasonable steps to limit access to such firearms by those who would intend to use them in that way.”...

A comprehensive fisking of this gaggle of inanities would take waaaayyyyy too long.  So I've red-highlighted a few for quick hits.

"assault weapons...."  Please define "assault weapon."  Do not include appearance items as part of the definition.  Do not exclude commonly-used hunting rifles through your definition.

"...all gun purchases...."  Since "all" may include father-to-son or neighbor-to-neighbor, or friend-to-friend transactions, defend that particular genre of transaction.

"....high-capacity weapons and ...magazines"  Leaving aside the asinine formulation 'high-capacity weapon,' define 'high-capacity magazine.'  Given that defending a home invasion by several criminals will require more than 10 rounds, defend your position.

"...regulations and limitations on the purchase of handguns..."  What do you suggest?  Handgun purchases (through dealers) are already heavily regulated.  What is the meaning of your term "limitations?"  Limits by person?  By caliber of weapon?  Months of the year?  

"...locks....anyone other than the owner..."  When fail-safe 'locking' devices are available, right?  You'd hate to see a woman fumbling with a lock while her children are being killed, right?

"....Second Amendment and related jurisprudence....."  Nice of you to reference that.  Please distinguish the Second Amendment from the God-given right (and duty) of self-defense.   Make your distinctions clear and comprehensible.  Reconcile your position with that of St Thomas Aquinas.

When you've finished, Excellencies, hand in your paper.  We'll get back to you.