OP2 - have you ever read a summary of Obama's proposal? The background check system needs to be enhanced to include guns bought at gun shows and through private dealers. There are loopholes in gun trafficking laws that need to closed. Criminal and mental health information on folks applying for a permit need to shared between states.
I agree that part of the puzzle includes tougher penalties for those committing gun violence... that's a huge problem as well.
Oh yeah, and ban military style assault weapons -- no one needs them.
I just don't understand why people object to some common sense restrictions that just might prevent gun violence. No one is going to confiscate guns from law abiding, mentally stable people.