Best Defense

There is an old saying, “The best defense is a good offense.”  The National Rifle Association apparently believes it and is striking back hard at gun control advocates. Wayne LaPierre, the face of the NRA, delivered a forceful speech in defense of the Second Amendment and the right to own guns. He trotted out the old trope, “The best way to stop a bad guy with a gun is a good guy with a gun.” He called for hardening schools by arming guards and teachers. He gave not an inch. There is a feeling, however, that this time might be different. Even the President is calling for outlawing Bump Stocks, which turn a semi-automatic into a machine gun. At least four governors have agreed to work together to increase control over flows of weapons to their states. If the Federal Government will do nothing, states might have to move for themselves. Expert opinion believes it will be a long, slow slog to gain a more effective grip on stopping arms reaching mass murderers, and the NRA  isn’t about to help.