Whoever controls the language wins the battle.  The minute both sides began arguing the 'assault weapon' solution we had lost!  ???  'Assault' weapon?  Assault is illegal in this country.  It is also an emotional word.  It also is not a descriptive word that defines and narrows the definition of the word 'weapon' or 'gun'.  What does it mean?  In other words it just means 'weapon' - or, more to the point 'Bad Gun'.

Note to my friends: I have an 'assault rolling pin' and a couple of 'assault frying pans' if you need them.