Edgy Answers

“Isn’t it time for those who support 2nd Amendment rights to come up with some practical solutions to gun violence in the US?”

Sure thing… and recommend these “perfect solutions” to whom?

We — on both sides of the debate — can formulate the ideal solution, but then what? Is there a magical “National Idea Hotline” somewhere to call? Is there a drop box for “suggestions to the management” that takes that idea past the stratifications of bureaucratic lunacy to the top?

Questions like these are beginning to show a pattern of noise without intent… and the reason for such an uncharacteristically cranky response is that I have written about solutions before (Something to Consider and the sequel: Something to Consider (Revisited))… I have sent them through the channels I figured might give them traction towards fruition… with very little feedback, if any.

So, here’s my counterpoint: how about, instead of posing questions here on Quora, you offer a path for such a solution to be recommended? There are tons of great ideas on this site, but how often do the policymakers check here for solutions?

EDIT:

I really dislike coming across as edgy or seemingly festooned with quills. I share the frustration that many people here have with the recurring themes of violence and inevitable blame-throwing. In all seriousness, if there is a path out there towards a reasonable goal, point it out and I shall lead the way… I’ll bring the Scotch.

Sometimes, the comments are enlightening:

Thank you for a thoughtful and compelling answer to what, on my part, was probably a naive query that I threw out here in frustration, hoping to start a conversation about this because at the end of the day, that’s where it needs to start. Unfortunately, I was mistaken in thinking that there must be lots of people who want to have this conversation. Most people just want me to know how stupid they think I am. But I’ve labored under many a misapprehension in the past, and this likely won’t be my last. I do appreciate you putting effort into making your reply constructive. I also don’t have any solutions to this dilemma other than wishing people weren’t so attached to their guns…and so trigger-happy in expressing their racism. I think, at this point, it’s gotten away from us in a way that is irreparable. So let’s pour some of that Scotch and drink to mass shootings passing into mundanity. I’m not trying to be cavalier here; just very sad.

There are times when I look back at something I wrote and think that I really may need to take a vacation. This is one of them.

If you go through my commentary here, you’ll see that I am not typically that… confrontational. Again, I think that it was the frustration on this end of the debate… which ultimately has the same goals as the ones you seek – to end random firearms-related violence.

The “holier/more morally righteous than thou” beats everyone up and gets us nowhere in the process – other than farther apart on the political spectrum. I have friends on either side and I see their points – I can only hope that they can reciprocate.

“Unfortunately, I was mistaken in thinking that there must be lots of people who want to have this conversation.”

I have grudgingly accepted the idea that no, no one really wants to find a solution. It is much easier (and profitable) for fear to permeate and fester. However, I choose to live with this possible reality and keep working to show that no one is right, just as no one is wrong (except for those who give into the easy evil of violence – those people will ALWAYS be wrong on so many levels). The only thing that will maintain my own sanity is to keep thinking and writing (Fear… or Hope?)… perhaps one day it will jar something loose for someone and get them to do the same.