Is it "Politics" to demand reform?

It is not. It will take politics to change gun laws, but we are justifiably outraged. Mass killings like this happen far too often for us to do nothing.

The Second Amendment had muzzle-loaded muskets and flintlock pistols in mind. Should such weapons still be in vogue today, the Amendment would have caused little controversy, but obviously they are not. So the anachronicity of the Amendment might be cause for SCOTUS to strike it down. However, it is unrealistic to suppose that criminally-minded people would observe any effort at gun control; in fact, they would welcome it. The last thing an armed home invader wants to see is a Smith and Wesson pointed his way.

I think that far more people are killed by vehicles than guns, yet the banning of vehicles is unthinkable, so I fear that we must carry on as things are. Is not the entire process of living a compromise between the things we'd like to do and the things we have to do?

Completely agree with you. The only people that need hand guns and assault weapons are law enforcement officers and soldiers. Keep hunting rifles legal. All others must be banned.

They should make it illegal to have a gun within 1000 feet of a school. Oh, wait - they've already done that.

After passing thousands upon thousands of gun-control laws, what makes you think the next one will be any more effective than the ones that preceded it?

Oh you will get reform out of the deal, no question.

But do you honestly think it will make one bit of difference?

You will see that it won't.

I'm neither a hoplophobe or a gun fanatic, but I am increasingly sickened by both sides that chase false solutions and ignore the cultural aspect of the problem.

Could be, but just not logical or good to declare a "war" on firearms.

Handguns are not the problem. That's a copout.

everything is politics

Be prepared to lose.