Why not? It's so simple.

Joe Nocera, New York Times columnist, has a novel suggestion that is so simple -- and it makes sense.   So:   Why not?

He starts with the question:   "Why can't we childproof guns?"  Then, at least, we could prevent all those deaths that result from a child innocently playing with a loaded gun he found in his parents' bedside table.   It could also prevent a thief stealing a gun and using it, or a robber taking a victim's gun and turning it on him.

The technology exists.  Guns can be made that can be fired only by the owner.  It's called "gun personalization."   Reportedly Attorney General Eric Holder recently had a meeting in which he was briefed on this technology.   There are even companies that are ready to produce such products commercially

Rep. John Tierney (D-MA) has plans to introduce legislation that would require that all guns conform to this within two years.   Of course there is zero chance of its being passed, given that we can't even get a vote on an assault weapons ban.

That's only because of the power of the NRA lobby.   What of the actual legal precedent for such requirements?   Nocera points out that Congress once cared enough about the safety of its citizens to pass laws requiring air bags in cars and childproof caps on medicine bottles. 

What's different?    So:   Why not do it?   We all know why.   The gun lobby.

Ralph