Larry D. Lauer

Once again the United States is polarized on a critical issue. Once again extreme ideologies are resisting compromise. Not only have we been dealing with extremism in campaign politics, we are encountering it again as congress struggles to deal with the “fiscal cliff.” And now suddenly here it is again with guns.

We have bragged that America is a “melting pot” of cultures, ideas and beliefs. Indeed this diversity is precisely what  we have come to call, “American exceptionalism.” And we take great pride in that we have been among the very few to have made it work. 

But history issues a dire warning. There are few examples where groups with deep culture and value differences have been able to survive indefinitely as a country. Countries come apart when compromise and middle ground is no longer possible.

So when it comes to guns what are we going to do?  Can we come together through give-and-take and resolve this issue once and for all?  Why is it so difficult?  After all, we are America. We believe we are exceptional.

Other constitutional amendments have agreed upon limits, including our most treasured freedom of speech. If we all can assert that we will protect our basic right to bear arms, then, just as with freedom of speech, we should be able to bring this exceptional, multi-cultural, melting pot of a society together with a few reasonable restrictions.  So here are some suggestions:

1. To purchase guns for personal and family safety, and/or for sport, citizens should register, submit to a background check, and complete limited basic training.

2. The sale of weapons and ammunition designed mostly for warfare to private citizens should be illegal, as well as gun shows and other sales venues that do not include the legal gun registration and training process.

3. Schools and school systems that feel they want armed and trained security present should be allowed to work with the NRA, or another local law enforcement agency, to acquire such protection.

4. Mental health monitoring and treatment should be included in all health insurance and delivery programs, as well as a mechanism for tracking those with violent, or potentially violent, tendencies.

5. Private organizations should be able to not allow concealed guns on their premises so long as a public disclosure is made of what security is, and is not, available at their facilities.

Investigative journalists and academics must now assume two major responsibilities: (1) Uncover and communicate the funding sources of the NRA and similar organizations, and the amount they spend to influence votes in legislatures, and (2) Communicate the results of research on the effects and consequences of violent games, movies, and mass media, and propose ways forward to protect society from unnecessary harm. 

All five of the above listed restrictions should be proposed and implemented simultaneously. This will demonstrate the give-and-take of  American exceptionalism, and will be critical to preserving the very stability of our society.