The recent shooting at Fort Hood pokes holes in National Rifle Association positions against reasonable gun control.

First is the NRA’s contention that there would be better protection if more people had guns, such as teachers or guards in schools. There are MPs on military bases who have guns, and this was of no value to the three people who were fatally shot before the gunman took his own life.

Second, I agree with the NRA that more mental health resources are needed. But, without a mandated national registry that would help ensure that those with mental disabilities couldn’t buy guns, what’s the point? Army Specialist Ivan Lopez had sought help for mental health issues, but had no problem getting a gun from Guns Galore.