In the last 5 months there have been at least 71 kids killed by guns. Average just under 6 years old

[billh58]

172. Don't you think that

it's a little late for "can't we all just get along?" Were you around when the Gungeon was the only place that the topic of gunz could be discussed? If so, do you remember the ridicule, vitriol, and abuse heaped upon anyone who dared even mention gun control in that right-wing swamp?

The animosity you are seeing is a result of DU opening up the discussion about guns to GD, and years of pent up frustration spilling over. The NRA is an insidious, anti-American, right-wing lobby for the proliferation of "gunz for everybody, with no questions asked." Any reference to the NRA's "talking points" (and they are well known to both sides of the argument) invites a well deserved call out on a Democratic discussion board.

Yes, there are sane, sensible, and responsible gun owners in this country, and many of them are Democrats, including a few who post on DU. A substantial number of American gun owners agree with the need for the implementation of stricter gun control legislation in our country. The "cold dead hands" NRA apologists who try to blame automobiles, swimming pools, and lawn darts for "just as many, or more" deaths and injuries are being willfully obtuse, and carrying water for Wayne LaPierre and his criminal organization.

These apologists also attempt to frame every argument and discussion as if they, and they alone, are enabled to speak for ALL gun owners. That is pure and utter bullshit, and is the biggest NRA straw man lie of them all. The Second Amendment does not grant blanket permission for the unregulated proliferation of gunz in this country. The SCOTUS decisions that the NRA apologists like to brag about are very clear on that point. As with all civil rights, guns, where they are "borne," and who gets to "keep" them may be regulated.

I agree with you that "name calling" for the sake of calling names does no one any good. When the name which is called, however, is an accurate description of the intended target, then there is maybe some harm, but no foul.