SASless et al
I noted in your post that you left out murder rate statistics. Ever heard of "...lies, damn lies and statistics..."?
Have a look at the state of affairs in the US - metal detectors at schools! Mass murders at schools! And you guys think this is okay? Here in Australia guns are not ubiquitous - and I am bl@@dy glad about it. Kids don't take guns to school, and if I give the bird to a road rage moron, he's not likely to point a Glock at me. I like that about Australia.
You can quote statistics until the cows come home, but it doesn't change the big picture - you have a weapons-permissive society and are in the poo.