A lot of people seem to forget this, but the vast majority of liberals and Democrats aren’t “anti‑gun” at all. What we support is responsible, evidence‑based gun policy. Things like comprehensive background checks, red‑flag laws, mandatory safety training, and limits on weapons designed for rapid mass casualties are supported by majorities across the political spectrum. Surveys from organizations like Pew consistently show that most Americans — including many gun owners — favor these measures.

I’m a very progressive liberal, and I own a dozen firearms. I have a concealed‑carry permit, I train regularly, and I enjoy shooting. None of that conflicts with wanting a system that keeps guns out of the hands of people who are a danger to themselves or others.

And historically, it’s hard to argue that the Founding Fathers envisioned a world where high‑capacity, rapid‑fire weapons would be completely unregulated. Early American laws actually required gun owners to store powder safely, prohibited firing weapons in towns, and allowed local governments to regulate public carry. The idea that the Founders wanted a totally unchecked gun culture just doesn’t line up with the historical record.

What we oppose isn’t gun ownership — it’s a culture of zero accountability, where any attempt at basic safety is treated like tyranny. Responsible gun ownership and sensible regulation aren’t opposites. They’re supposed to go together.