Twenty some years ago my father took his 12 gauge shotgun and spread his brains & skull all over the back porch. A cruel greeting for my mother on her return from shopping. Knowing what I know now I wish I'd violated his “right to bear arms” at least a decade earlier. Better still I wish our society had understood then that gun possession is not an absolute right.

Suicide is on the rise nation wide. Guns are involved more than any other means. The situation is much the same with domestic violence. Twenty some years ago mass shootings in schools, churches, businesses and music concerts were unknown - now they are much too common.

Politicians and others who refuse to discuss any and all gun regulation are not defending the 2nd Amendment, they are simply too lazy to think or too cowardly to take on thoughtless organizations like the NRA.

Democracy is about discussion. Lets not be afraid to discuss reasonable gun restrictions. The 2nd Amendment will survive.