Bad choices made by others are not my problem, but sure, here we go anyhow:
irresponsible citizens in any occupation in a dick-waving contest or just because they hate people
Those people can go to prison or have their lives terminated in an encounter with a responsible, armed citizen. Not my problem unless such an irresponsible individual wants to make it my problem.
Or thought they saw a burglar
Funny you should mention that, I've actually confronted a man in my backyard at night who had no business being there. Yes, I confronted him with a gun, and he decided to jump the fence and leave. Good choice on his part.
Or got depressed and ate the gun before loved ones had a chance to intervene
I'm a firm believer in an individual's right to die when and how they see fit. What gives you the right to say otherwise? Also, someone intent on dying isn't going to magically give up on the concept because they don't have access to a firearm.
Or walked into a club with the gun in the waistband of their sweats
Given the fact that criminals by definition do not obey the law, there's not a lot you or I are going to do about this one. If a private establishment has proper signage indicating their preference for "no weapons on premises," (which may be required depending on the jurisdiction in question, and most ">50% alcohol sales" establishments default to "no guns allowed" by applicable state law) I'm fine with them asserting that legal right on their private properly, but I probably won't visit their business as a consequence. We all make choices, which brings up personal responsibility yet again.
Or left the gun in the nightstand where their 4 year old could find it
It happens, although such occurrences are rare. It is tragic when it does occur, and parents need to held legally responsible. I advocate for prison terms in such cases. Personal responsibility again; you're not going to save everyone from everything without turning the entire nation into a surveillance and police state. Stop trying.
Just curious, with 30,000 gun homicides per year in the U.S. (the majority of those suicides) which do you think is more prevalent
There are ample references to the Bureau of Labor Statistics studies above which discuss the thousands of instances where firearms are used in defense against assault and other crimes. Or are you okay with seeing your loved ones robbed, raped, and murdered?
I'm truly looking forward to your reply.