Yep, it's a spiritual problem

I was blind to the truth that Upton Sinclair shared with the world years before: “It is very difficult to get someone to understand something when his salary, or his power (italics mine) is dependent on not understanding it.” For the church to ask Congress to confront America’s idolatry of guns was asking the fox to guard the chickens.

What our nation needs is balanced legislation that respects two fundamental constitutional rights: the right to keep and bear arms and the right to enjoy domestic tranquility as one pursues life, liberty, and happiness. Because we are a country governed by laws, eventually, Congress will write balanced laws. But, first, there must be a spiritual awakening from God’s people for those laws to find the necessary traction in our highest legislative bodies.—America and Its Guns: A Theological Expose, page 18 (author’s emphasis)

<idle musing>
I must admit that I think he's still too optimistic! But, I agree that it is a spiritual problem. In this case, a two-fold one: our country worships money and it worships power. The gun lobby has money and the gun represents power. What's not to love?

<satire>
Oh, there is that pesky little problem of Jesus and what he said, but it's just a small little inconvenience. After all, most Christians haven't ever read the Bible anyway and depend on their culture and pastors to tell them what it says...so, no problem.
</satire>
</idle musing>