Those who are opposed to self-defense argue guns needlessly hurt people through misuse. They act as if guns somehow mystically alter the minds of normal people and turn them into violent monsters. If only we could eliminate guns the spell of the evil mojo will be broken.

Yet, there is a thing that does alter the mind and those alterations do lead to abhorrent and reckless behavior.

The misuse of alcohol leads to psoriasis, DUIs and other physical ailments. Moreover, guns bring with them an intrinsic understanding they are lethal the first time, every time. However, binge drinking is not only accepted it is expected if not outright encouraged in many instances.

Guns do not motivate people to violence; but to deny alcohol is an underlying factor in domestic abuse, sexual assault, child abuse and other forms of violence would be to stretch credulity beyond breaking.

Under-aged drinking claims 4,300 lives annually due to over-consumption of alcohol. That is more than 4 Sandy Hooks per week.

Of the 30,000 gun-related deaths each year 15,000 are suicides. That's 15,000 suicides out of 38,000. Having a gun in the house doesn't motivate people to kill themselves but of ALL suicides -- gun-related or otherwise -- alcohol is a significant factor.

I'm sure you'll have some hand-waving pronouncement as to why these facts are not facts or are immaterial.