Click here for the introduction to the Round and Square series "Remonstrance"
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| [a] Beacon RF |
Although I am not one to think of Round and Square is an opinion leader, it is clear that "we" are on the same wave length as several influential lawmakers who generally support a wide array of Second Amendment rights. Today's news shows an interesting trickle of remonstrance—the kind I said was lacking—on the "right to keep and bear..." side of the contentious issue(s). Could it be a sign that reasonable people might be able to have serious and thoughtful discussions (and possibly initiate meaningful legislation) around a terribly divisive part of our shared lives?
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| [b] Bridge RF |
Maybe.
Let me conclude this little series of posts with my own fondest hope for the future of American political culture. Two of my favorite people in the entire world come to mind, and I think that they could work it out.
Really.
One is a former marine who is an avid deer and moose hunter in northern New England. I have spent exhilarating days with him in an ice house (smelt was our prey), a northern cabin (or "camp") having breakfast lobster with strong coffee, and in long conversations about guns, work, family, and the future. He is an NRA member, and has taught his children and grandchildren the safe use of firearms. I love him like a big brother, and will call him "Jeff."
The other friend is an urban organizer in a large, Midwestern city. He is deeply read (with an abiding commitment to Gertrude Stein), sensitive to the nuances of race, class, and gender, and a fervent opponent of gun violence in his city and beyond. I have spent exhilarating days with him in China discussing cultural nuance (he came to visit on a whim many years ago), doing service work in a small Minnesota town, and talking, over the years, about politics, difference, commitment, and life. He supports serious gun control measures and generally liberal causes. I love him like a little brother, and will call him "Gerard."
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| [c] Isolated RF |
Here's what I want. I want to put Jeff and Gerard in a nice, well-lit, and finely-stocked room where they can talk about gun ownership and safety, urban crime and gun violence, the NRA, the Brady Bill, life, family, politics, and big-and-little brothers. In my musings, this would go on for several days (with nice breaks for maybe a little hunting, on the one hand, and Gertrude Stein reading on the other). It might even continue for a few weeks or months.
In the end, I'll take what my two "brothers" can work out.
I trust them, and know that they will never sell out their convictions or stop listening to the other side. I am also pretty sure that I am not alone in knowing people who could be committed, reasonable, and reflective all at the same time. I suspect, as well, that most of you reading this could come up with a few people of your own who could negotiate a settlement (even in a daydreaming world of social cohesion). Just do the thought experiment for yourself: imagine reasonable people with a "take" on the world...actually talking to each other.
And listening, too.
What a concept.
It sure beats waiting for the next news cycle in our broken political culture.
This is part of a multi-post series dealing with the Newtown school shootings and American political culture. Click below for other posts in the series:
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| [d] Increasing clarity RF |
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