I don't disagree and have always been in favor of strict policies put in place before one can purchase a weapon. I also think than extensive training should be mandatory, including not just how the weapon operates, but when it can be used for self defense. Extensive training, very extensive training. However, we should not ban a particular weapon such as an AR-15 in an effort to achieve some type of feel good measure. Should the hurdle be higher to own one? Yes, IMO, but as I've said before a ban will not bring the hoped for result.
The problem, as I hope we can agree, is that extremists on both ends of this issue dominate the microphone. It's all we hear. We continue to suffer the tyranny of the few. The few need to be told, and be told in no uncertain terms, to STFU, and that needs to come from the very top. Problem is, the guy at the top is one of the few.