Guns

The Newtown tragedy has understandably moved the nation.

But there are disappointing signs that it has failed to move the people who can actually do something about it -- our elected representatives.  

 A brave few have argued for legislation to make it harder for unstable people to get their hands on lethal weapons.

But most of the legislators who have voted against such steps in the past have been uncharacteristically silent. The Sunday talk shows were unable to get any to show up for a discussion of the issue. And at least one of the former pols who did show up suggested the solution to this problem might be more guns.

"I'm not so sure I wouldn't want one person in a school armed, ready for this kind of thing," former Secretary of Education Bill Bennett told "Meet the Press."

The side in favor of tightening restrictions should keep several things in mind.

1. Be careful how you frame the issue. This is not about "gun control" but "gun licensing." Many of the people who own guns do so precisely because they feel it gives them greater control over their lives. Don't suggest that you propose to take that control away. The idea is to ensure that people who might be out of control don't have access to guns through common-sense licensing requirements.

2. Make clear that you respect the Second Amendment's "right to bear arms." Acknowledge that many families enjoy hunting and you have no problem with that. Praise the steps that organizations like the NRA have taken to improve gun safety, such as encouraging the use of trigger guards, training people in the proper handling of guns, etc.

3. Focus the discussion on the biggest problems: the loophole that allows guns to be sold at gun shows without background checks, the wide availability of assault weapons like that used in the Newtown shootings, and the sale of multiple-round ammunition clips.

4. Don't let this debate become defined in partisan terms. One of the strongest proponents of "gun rights," with a perfect rating by the NRA, is Democratic Senator Joe Manchin. He told MSNBC's "Morning Joe" that it is time to sit down and have a "sensible, reasonable" debate about gun control in light of the massacre in Newtown. And he expressed an openness to banning assault weapons. 

5. Hard as it may seem just three days after Newtown, the emotion surrounding this issue will disipate. Don't let it.