Search Results: being rejected because of looks

As an outsider looking in, I think this might be an effective way of reducing gun violence. I don't see it as being unconstitutional because the right to bear arms is still there. Everyone would have the right to apply for a licence and even though licencing authorities could reject applications where there is reasonable concern that an individual is unsuitable to own a firearm due to something like documented violent behaviour just as an example, everyone would still start with a clean slate. What I am suggesting is simply a reinterpretation of the constitution and not an outright violation of it.

Of course, people would find ways around this by obtaining guns illegally but there should be harsh penalties for doing so. The pressure of the threat of incarceration combined with an increased difficulty to obtain firearms should result in reduced fatalities as a result of shooting. Due to the new laws needed to make possession of firearms without a licence illegal, what you could call "gun related crime" could potentially see a temporary increase. This should be expected but it should also be expected to subside to lower levels than before the laws were enforced over time.

I also see economic benefits to this and it fits with American capitalist ideals. Business opportunities and jobs involving training, testing and awarding licences would be created. All jobs which didn't previously exist. Your thoughts?