I'm going to try starting a conversation about what "responsible" gun laws should look like...

[cherokeeprogressive]

89. A sober me wouldn't have put it quite that way...

Notice the time of the post. I was deep into a bottle of Wild Turkey 101 by then and my wife and the company we had for the weekend had retired for the evening.

So, if you would be so kind as to let me rethink and restate my feelings about felons and guns, I'll try to do so.

My best childhood friend was pulled over about 30 years ago while coming back from buying a couple of grams of good coke. Bam. Instant Felon. He's had that tag ever since. I'd have no hesitation in trusting him with my life. I actually don't know whether or not he votes as we've never discussed politics even though we've known each other since we were about 5.

On reflection, I'd say I was more than a little harsh about convicted felons being "unworthy", or having a propensity for breaking the law. Knowing some, and being a non-felon only because I never got caught doing some things that would still be with me today, I should have never taken that stance.

How about a separate licensing process for felons? One where past transgressions don't necessarily generate a NO response during a background check? A process whereby criminal records are considered on a case-by-case basis. Violent felons would be a no-go while non-violent ones might have to suffer through some kind of personal interview. That, I'd be fine with.

Remember, in this discussion, everything is negotiable. I meant it as a start, not a final word...