Eric Holder, the new attorney general in the Obama administration, is suggesting that reinstituting the U.S. ban on the sale of so-called "assault weapons" might help check the war-like drug violence in Mexico. The assumption is that the weapons used by Mexican drug gangs are bought in the United States and shipped south.

Holder seems to think that the drug gangs will go straight if they can't buy weapons. But these are people who have gunned down government officials. They have killed civilians and each other in the thousands. Does Holder believe they can't figure out a way to get the guns with high-capacity magazines they want if Americans can no longer buy them legally?

The problem with Mexican drug gangs is not only that they are armed, but that they are entrenched criminals who will do anything to protect an illegal trade that makes them super rich.

Chances are that as long as their business flourishes, they have the resources to get what they want in terms of arms. They will find a source no matter what restrictions are imposed in the U.S. (hh)