Exactly. Despite some recent movies and videogames, a huge number of people simply don't realize that the concept of modern gun control and law enforcement only started because of the spectacular crime wave of the post-Depression Midwest, with several gangs operating all over the country with easily-obtained (sometimes even stolen from armories) automatic weapons. It wasn't until the passage of legislation banning these weapons, and just as importantly the establishment of law enforcement agencies that could properly enforce the legislation, that that crime wave was halted, often through brutal means. Imagine if we had some of the people from this thread back then. Well actually, we did, and it was only through some also spectacular and timely successes that all of it stayed in place in the face of fierce resistance.Originally Posted by I WUB PUGS