I, personally, am against banning firearms in any way. People kill people. That's just human nature. Take, for example, Japan. They have a complete ban on firearms. Does this stop murder or reduce the crime rate? Not by a long shot. It just means there are a hell of a lot more stabbings and beatings.

Would it change anything if blackmarket firearms could no longer reach our shores? No.

You should also keep this in mind. More devastating weapons are shipped out of this country every year than come in.  

An apartment complex/outreach facility for the poor and homeless. Rather than give out money for nothing, give people in need the means to better themselves.

1. A place to stay if needed. This would be a simple apartment for singles and families. It would also come with rules. First, no drugs or alcohol. Second, your apartment must be kept within standards. Third, you can only stay for a certain amount of time. If you do not get a job within a specified time frame, you are out. If the rules are broken, you're out.

2. A rehabilitation clinic for those who need help with addiction in order to better their lives.

3. A free kitchen. Simple nourishment which will be provided three times a day for those who cannot yet afford to feed themselves.

4. Job Placement for those who already have the necessary skills to get a job.

5. Technical learning center for those who need to learn a skill to seek employment.

6. Housing assistance for those who have a good job and are saving for their own home.

7. A free clinic for those in need of medical assistance. 

As for Vietnam, United States involvement began as an attempt to quell a civil war and stop the spread of communism. An emphasis on stopping communism. If not for Russia's involvement against the US, the entire war may have gone differently.

I don't think World War 2 had any influence on Vietnam. If anything, it would have be the introduction of better technology.

If you are going to be rich, someone has to be poor. If the economy is based on buying and selling, that will never change. If you want food, pay money. If you want a house, pay money. If you want services, pay money.

Now, if money was worthless, things would be different.

Cults and religions are the extremist versions of this. People ram their beliefs down your throat and either you will follow them or reject them. That is why most wars in world history are, at their core, religious wars. Believe what I believe or die.

Cultists are usually people who don't know what to think. A charismatic leader of some kind comes along and offers them something to stand behind. Worship a comet. Sodomize little kids. Murder celebrities. Whatever. The bottom line is it comes down to acceptance.

This one powerful weapon has contributed to a new type of diplomacy across the globe and dictated a new standard in the way that wars are fought. Think about it. A dozen countries with the ability to end civilization at the touch of a button.

The bomb has the ability to create fear and mass hysteria. Just look at the 50's. Just look at terrorism today.

 The technology has spawned new power sources and propulsion systems.

Take, for example, early vehicles which used thin bicycle-style tires. There is a reason they are not in use anymore.

Given a ship, station or colony what would your goal be? How would it aid mankind? How would it sustain life?