I will say this in defense of gun owners. There are what, close to 400 million guns in the US? That's like half of the world's total I think I read somewhere (but too lazy to google it)
Yes, there are like 35,000+ gun deaths, but most of those are suicides, and I honestly think you have to look at those through a more subtle lens. As far as homicides, we're talking 10,000-15,000, and that includes gang bangers, etc. But remember there are 400,000,000 guns around.
So yes, the vast...vast...vast majority of gun owners are responsible. Crap, we'd all be dead if they weren't. It's just math.
I'd love to see universal background checks, private sale restrictions, more training needed for concealed carry, more limitations on open carry, and mandatory liability insurance for gun owners. I think that is a start in the right direction. I say that because I think those are realistic measures middle of the road people will support.
We are never going to stop mass shootings because offense is a million times ahead of defense and there are so many guns. If Person A tucks a few handguns in his/her jacket and goes to an outdoor concert at the park, what are the chances he/she doesn't have the chance to mow down at least 10 people? How can we possibly stop the offense? "Good guys with guns" just creates a frantic crossfire and likely more injuries and deaths. We can't have cops everywhere, and even they, with their training, struggle to ID and take down shooters. And "thoughts and prayers" does jack shit.
I think candidates like Pete would push realistic gun reform, but Beto's approach is just never going to happen. I appreciate his anger and frustration, and I think he is a good guy, but it's just not smart politics.
My hope is that some GOPers, even if they can't bring themselves to vote for a Dem, will be so disgusted by Trump they stay home. Comments like Beto's could encourage them to come out to the polls. Of course, by the time the general election rolls around, the GOP will be painting the Dem as the anti-christ.