The issue of guns is something I think ought to concern extropians because of the possibility that gun ownership may help us increase our life spans. The question of whether or not gun control does or does not reduce homicides is a question of fact , not ideology. Your personal feelings towards guns are irrelevant to the factual question. I think an analysis of the facts shows the anti-gun people to have, by far, the weaker case. Professor John Lott's book is a good starting point for those unfamiliar with the issue. Mr. Lott does not engage in name calling, responds calmly to criticism , and presents an excellent overall case for private handgun ownership. Why is it that so many other people can't discuss this issue without going off the handle?