4) The level and tone of political rhetoric must return to some semblance of civility. There is no doubt that the poisonous atmosphere and hateful tone of much of the rhetoric on the Far Right legitimizes extreme reactions, including violence, against those seen as "the enemy." The British usually consider the other side to be "the loyal opposition," and we should embrace that concept and treat all participants in the political and governmental process with respect. It is indeed possible to disagree without being disagreeable -" or hateful.
5) Meaningful gun control absolutely has to be made a national priority. We know that this can happen, as it did after the attempt to assassinate President Regan in the early 1980s. The Brady Bill, named for Reagan's press secretary who was seriously wounded in that attack, was a good start on limiting the inappropriate use of handguns in particular. In the decades since, we have gone in the other direction, in ways never intended by the Second Amendment which advocates gun ownership for purposes of having a standing militia, not for use by crazies.
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