From where I am at in liberal California, I am actually seeing a shift in Democrat sentiment as crime affects everyone, including liberals who opposed guns but in increasing numbers have become gun owners. Historical record setting number of firearms have sold in California the last several years and many of them have been bought by Democrats. One gun store owner told me they sold more guns in the last 2-3 years than since they have opened over the decades!!!
For decades, I worked with liberal Democrat coworkers and at neighborhood level where just about everyone in the office either experienced crime first hand (burglary, home invasion robbery, etc.) or know of friends/family/neighbors who have been victimized. For them, they now see gun ownership as a personal/individual rights issue as they realize police/911 cannot help them when their doors are being kicked in.
To my surprise, many of them one by one and in groups have approached me to train them on properly handling pistols for defensive shooting situations and have gotten carry permits. When I ask them how this has changed their political views, they say they are still Democrats but are not stupid when it comes to personal/family safety and will now support Second Amendment and the right to carry!
I now have made introduction to firearms to as many people as possible before I die (especially Democrats) one of my life's goals and invite as many people to my range session as possible covering all ammo cost. It is a feel good hobby when I see democratic individuals/families become gun supporters and even match shooters!
With the US Supreme court ruling and recent
Peruta v. San Diego, I believe right to carry will be the next battle with perhaps many gun owner Democrats supporting. I guess enemy of my enemy is my friend.
If this is happening on a national level, with growing number of Democrats supporting 2nd Amendment and right to carry, I think anti-gun movement may be distanced from the democratic party, especially with key figures like Barbara Boxer and Dianne Feinstein retiring which will let a lot of steam out of the movement (she may still support the anti-gun fight after retirement but independent from the democratic party). I think many career politicians will concede that NRA lobbying efforts have reached both Republican and Democratic parties and this pressure won't let up in future campaigns.
So even if national shooting incidents are demonized by the media, I do not think an overnight change in sentiment will occur, especially not with Republican controlled Senate and House which is the largest Republican majority held since 1929-1931. This historical event should express the public sentiment and antis may desperately try to do something but even with Bloomberg's money probably may not be enough to be successful in pushing any significant anti-gun legislation through Senate/House. And with a Republican president in the White House, things look even bleak for the anti-gun movement and they would simply be throwing money out the window.
Personally, it's high time to start reversing and regaining lost ground and repeal every anti-gun law beginning with limited capacity magazines that do not help law abiding citizens from self defense.
My two cents from sunny CA.
Life is starting to be good again in this "golden" state!!!
