What does VT mean for gun control?
A few folks are already starting to talk about gun policy. That’s OK. Actually, that’s perfect. I know we’re all supposed to be horrified, mourn, and so on. And not leap on this issue for “political advantage.”
I think we can feel all the emotion and express all the sympathy and still discuss policy. Among other things, this shooting at Virginia Tech is one of those reminders that politics makes public policy. And public policy is literally a matter of life and death. There’s something seriously diseased with the idea that the only appropriate time to talk about policy is much later, when it’s all abstract and academic.
Von at Obsidian Wings says:
To get real, US-style gun violence, you need to be messed up in precisely the way the US is: You must have regions with relatively free gun ownership bordering regions where guns are heavily restricted. It’s the mix that allows guns to travel where they can do maximum harm. [ Bodies ]
He might have a point. I used to think gun control should be determined on a regional basis. Now I’m thinking we might need to have a more national plan.