Anyone following the news in recent weeks will have noticed the back and forth on a number of issues pertaining to firearms.  The specific one, for which I have an important question that has yet to be answered, is the issue of an assault weapon ban.  From those opposing a ban on assault weapons, I've seen it on grounds of the 2nd Amendment, as a basic rights issue, purely practical issue based on how much crime would really change, etc.  What I have not seen is any real argument in support of a ban on assault weapons. 

If you are in favor of such a ban, a couple questions:

1) What is it about assault weapons that you feel makes them so different than other semi-auto rifles, shotguns, and handguns?

2) Why do you feel that they need to be banned?