OP Reply
Wow...just wow. What a great discussion!
I don't think there's much more I can add that hasn't already been said, but I will address some of the sentiments y'all wrote about.
First and foremost, huge Thank You's to the Mods for trusting us to stay on-track and allowing this great discussion!
To "jmorris" I'll say that, to me, "unduly" means preventing law-abiding citizens from owning handguns, rifles and shotguns. I do not, however, believe that criminal and mental health background checks upon purchasing a firearm are an infringement of my rights, just as long as the government that is performing the background check is an elected one accountable to We The People via legitimate elections. In short, don't limit my mag cap, but do make sure I'm not cuckoo before letting me have an AR-15.
Just so you all know, I do contact my gov't reps, in writing, identifying myself as a Dem and fervently pro-2A. Especially when the rep I'm writing to is a Dem, I urge them to support 2A as well. And, by the way, I have long been a member of an organization called Democrats for Gun Ownership. They are a national organization that has a presence in DC and supports pro-2A Dems. In other words, I agree with those of you who assert that I need to be talking up Pro-2A to my fellow Dems more than dueling with Republicans. Especially in the wake of recent shootings that received a lot of media attention, I have increased my pro-2A letter-writing (politicians & newspaper editor).
My overall thoughts on all the replies is this: Some people still seem to see the world in black and white...all or nothing. But most of the posts (whether or not you happen to agree with my rationale) show that the majority of members on THR see the real shades of gray in the world. I love this board even more now.