...(b) the right to not be harmed by others' expression of their interpreted freedom...
I don't disagree with that in any way. Don't we have laws to prevent such harm? I don't believe the intent of the fathers was to take freedoms from some based on the actions of others, which in my opinion, falls under the same exact statement above.
Let me give you a different type of example, but there are fundamental similarities. Should I have my car taken away or be forced to drive a vehicle that may not meet my personal wishes or needs because other people are too stupid to put their texting device down while driving, and are killing more people than drunk drivers (you can include drunk drivers, too)?
(a) definition and purpose of assault vs hunting and defense.
I can think of multiple situations where certain weapons would be better than others in self defense, even if you don't agree. Who gets to make that decision...what is adequate self defense for an individual?
I lived in Japan for a year and a half. No one had guns (including myself). I'll admit, it was actually kind of nice. I never really felt the lack of guns was why there was so little violence, though certainly a factor. To me, it seemed like people over there actually had respect for each other. Don't see much of that in this country anymore.
We have serious societal issues in this country, a
nd if the gov can figure out how to cure those, I'm completely open to greater and reasonable controls. But first, we need to reach a point where politicians and celebrities no longer need body guards. That would be a pretty good indicator that things have improved. Then, I'll be ready to surrender the few guns I own(if any of them fall under a ban), but only for a fair price. Seriously.