Am I to understand that a KNIFE BAN is being considered in some quarters as a result of the Akihabara tragedy? What kind of Orwellian nightmare is this country turning into?

Most guns are banned completely, but that doesn't seem to hinder their availability on the streets or the black market. What would a knife ban accomplish? When I wanted to buy a kitchen knife, should it be suggested that I first pass a background check, submit to fingerprinting and undergo a psychiatric evaluation -- the same as when one wants to obtain a firearms permit?

Have some people in this establishment gone absolutely nuts? While we're at it, let's ban big trucks for civilian use, since one of those deadly things was used to kill people in Akihabara, not to mention thousands more every year on the road.

Under this level of thinking, it won't be long before everyone is forced to buy rubber dinnerware (because ceramics can break and kill someone), pre-cut packaged food (no knives needed) and plastic baseball bats. Since the public simply can't be trusted with anything, the government will save you.

michael dewood