It’s not like I don’t get it.
Felons should not be able to bypass the background check system at gun shows by buying from private sellers who don’t keep paperwork. In fact, background checks could stand to be revamped. And those convicted of domestic violence charges shouldn’t own firearms at all.
But as we have learned yesterday, declaring war on gun owners as a whole is no path to victory.
The first thing we do is rid the national and state party platforms of “Gun Violence Prevention” sections that alienate undecided voters with unnecessary (if not unconstitutional) gun laws and initiatives.
The second thing we do is open our minds, take a deep breath, and come up with a leaner and meaner approach to rational gun legislation that unites urban, suburban, and rural voters alike.
In the 2018 midterms and going forward, Democrats and progressives are going to have to fight and scrap for every last vote they can get. This means serious soul-searching on gun legislation is in order.
It may not be a panacea, but it’s a start.