I think the real tragedy of America at the moment on the gun control issue, as on many other issues, is summed up in the question: ‘Where are the moderate Republicans?’ The Democrats in the main are in favor of increased gun control and they face strong opposition from extreme gun libertarians, and even insurrectionists, who wanted armed revolt against our duly elected government.
But the center, the moderate wing of the Republican Party with a few honorable exceptions among politicians, is silent. Where are the bridging suggestions that creatively protect our schools better, that keep guns out of the hands of people with serious mental problems and criminals, while allowing hunters to hunt or whatever legitimate gun users need?
The checks and balances of the constitution, as the conservative Barry Goldwater pointed out in the 1980s, simply don’t work if we are a profoundly divided country with no bridges, no people who have links to both sides, and who like a family member of both sides can help them see each others’ reason….
If you are a silent moderate Republican reading this posting, you are a big part of our problem, much as I respect your position, your silence I categorize under Edmund Burke’s famous: ‘All that is required for evil to triumph is that good men do nothing.‘ Speak up, I can’t hear you.
Edmund Burke 1729-1797 See: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Edmund_Burke
Creativeconflictwisdom's Blog 