"Some people dislike gays. Others dislike guns. We should not base our laws on personal dislikes."

[Eleanors38]

15. We have a much lower crime rate than the 60s...

Theory:

The reason there is so much animosity/fear over guns is because many progressives have been in such retreat from and under such constant attack by the RW, they have chosen to crystalize their opposition to extremists in a gun culture. It's easy, it's handy, and there are elites which can still prop up some kind of "movement" (really an outlook) and for a time raise a stir. Unfortunately, this limited "thing" approach to massive social problems fails to promote the common good, and worse keeps the RW a well-oiled machine.

Gun-control is an insight into the larger failings of modern progressive politics, in terms of cohesive policy, self-identity, outreach to the citizenry, grassroots organization and lack of party presence.