I know. Crazy idea, right? But bear with me.
Tonight the President said he'd be talking to groups about this problem -- mental health pros, law enforcement, educators -- to begin a conversation that leads to action.
Why not talk to the NRA?
I'm not just suggesting that he make an empty gesture -- a beer summit, if you will -- just to placate critics or appear bipartisan. No, I'm suggesting that he invite the NRA to the White House to put it all on the table. If they are opposed to all gun-control legislation, what are they willing to do?
They might not respond, or might respond by saying that existing laws must be enforced.
But that isn't going to cut it. Not after Sandy Hook.
If the NRA doesn't want to face ongoing backlash, they should at least come to the table with something -- suggestions for working hand-in-hand with the mental health community, for example, for more public education about gun safety. Something.
I know it may seem pie in the sky, but we have to try to talk to our opponents.
They can start by saying "We can all agree that kindergarteners should not be shot."
And the NRA should acknowledge publicly that the President has stood up for the individual right to bear arms. No more of this bullshit about "he's going to take away our guns."