I like a lot of what you are saying here. And yes the important issue is the larger debate - which is why it frustrates me that people want to jail an 18-year old out of some enraged bloodlust. Which will not fix the issue and will only polarize both sides further.

I DO want to see my kids grow up safe. Nothing means more to them. At the same time... without revealing personal information, any kids I have are learning self defense, specifically martial arts. "The best defense is to run" don't pick fights with strangers, etc. I have to start there otherwise what kind of example am I setting.

As for policy. I'm in favor of communication first. And, what I see is that neither side is really interested in understanding or listening to the other. The right, wants to trivialize the left as "libtards" and SJWs and crybabies. There is a huge crony aspect to the right, look at Wayne LaPierre, which really could be exploited politically.

But the left, does not understand WHY guns are so important to the right. And this is just as important. The spirit of the 2nd amendment is so citizens can defend themselves against GOVERNMENT. And no amount of mass shootings, bump stock debates, or senseless deaths of children, is going to change that stance. Until the left addresses this issue...and so far the left has done nothing to even acknowledge it... the entire right will band together in favor of NO gun control.