After the Chinese invented black powder during the 9th century, the prototype of the fire lance was invented in Chine during the 10th century and is the predecessor of all firearms. It seems to me firearms have been around for a very long time. There have been may wars and murders befor firearms where invented. People have been killing each other since the dawn of time be it with barehands, rocks, sticks, clubs,knifes, bow and arror, a firearm. Why is the method in question and not the person? When did it become ok to question the tools instead of the person using the tool. That is what all those items I listed are. TOOLS! They where used for hunting and skinning. At what point in time did it be come ok to question the item and not how the person decided to use it. When did we grow to fear an object. Do we blame those 9th century Chines inventors for makeing the black powder? Do we blame those who invented the knife? Or those who made the bow and arrow? I think not!!! So lets not blame the firearm and blame the person using it!!