Why We Vote » Gun Control and the Fine Art of Compromise

Gun Control and the Fine Art of Compromise

April 21st, 2008 at 01:50pm Jon Murray

The issue of gun control is back in the news. It’s pretty clear that there are distinct sides to this issue …of course the pro gun advocates…led by the NRA… are clearly in one camp. The pro gun groups have taken a religious if not paranoid fervor with their position, summed by Charleton Heston’s words..”From my cold, dead hands”. On the other hand are those who wish the government to exercise some control over gun ownership. The control side is seeking a response to violence and killing – a reasonable goal. What’s missing from this debate, however, is the fine art of compromise. You know…that ability to see the merits on both side of the issue and to resolve the matter in a meaningful and long lasting way.

Somehow those who believe compromise is possible have not been heard during much of the debate. It’s safe to say I fit into this category …I recognize the rights of those who enjoy guns…sportsmen, collectors, and for personal protection. What I don’t agree with is the right to obtain the biggest and meanest guns and as many as can be obtained in the shortest period of time. And… I believe there are people who should not own guns and there are communities where guns simply add fuel to the already violent culture.

We have legislators who belong to the NRA and it’s pretty safe to say their vision is clouded by the NRA propaganda machine. It’s unlikely they’re going to have an objective perspective or the ability to understand compromise on the issue. There are also legislators who see no merit to gun ownership and who come up with legislation that’s kind of ridiculous.

This debate really hasn’t changed in over 30+ years. I’d say it’s time for reasonable heads to prevail. We need to learn to compromise. We need legislators who are not so connected to a cause that they lose the ability to lead with intelligence and independence.