It seems like gun control is a very personal issue for many people. Many people seem to believe that widespread availability and ownership of guns helps them to keep themselves safe.

That’s one path we could take, I suppose (although it is my understanding that many countries take the opposite approach and are also safe). But if we are going to allow for widespread ownership of guns, then wouldn’t it be better for everyone involved if the gun owners were required to be fully trained not only in how to use a gun but in how to not use a gun when it is not necessary? Shouldn’t the general public get, essentially, police training? General self-defense, crisis management, hostage negotiation, etc, etc…