The Huffington Post
So there is this device that is in widespread use -- almost every
family has at least one. Used carelessly or incorrectly it can do damage
or even create lethal effects. It is often used in the commission of
crimes, and theft of the device itself is a common crime.
This device must be registered -- anyone who wishes to own one has to
give personal information and obtain insurance against its misuse. The
owner is required to display evidence of registration prominently, and
every device has a unique identification number so even if it is found
without the evidence of registration, the owner can be identified and
located. Further, even non-owners of the device must be licensed if they
wish to use one. The licensing involves extensive testing on knowledge
of the rules for operating the device and practical operation of the
device under real-world conditions.
If a used device is sold, the sale must be registered with the
government and the buyer is subject to all the above requirements. If
the device is retired or destroyed, its registration must be cancelled.
Improper or illegal operation of the device can result in revocation
of the operator's license, confiscation of their registration, and
cancellation of their insurance.
Notwithstanding all this, there is almost no resistance to the
registration, licensing, and insurance requirements. Registration and
license fees provide significant revenue to government agencies, and
insurance provides a substantial private market as well. To date no
government has undertaken a mass confiscation of these devices, nor has
their use been significantly restricted -- in fact there are more of
these devices in private ownership than at any time in history.
I suspect you've figured out by now that the device in question is
motor vehicles -- cars, trucks, motorcycles, etc. If someone proposed
the above set of requirements for gun ownership, however, the outcry
from the NRA and its disciples would be loud and long.
