Just when you think that there are no more stupid ideas to embrace, a new one graces the front pages of our newspapers.  The horrific events in Parkland High School had only just been digested, when the gun rights advocates issued proclamations that this was no reason reexamine a policy that has effectively put many American lives at risk because of virtually unrestricted access to military weapons.  I say this because it is a fact that if many people walk around carrying guns, more people are killed with guns.  This is not an opinion, it is a fact.

And we now hear from Wayne Lapierre, that calm voice of reason, that the answer is more guns in schools.  I am not making this up.  This is after we knew the one armed guard at the school failed to stop anything.  While trying to process this approach, we hear Republicans and Democrats saying that maybe we should have an age limit of 21 before you can buy an assault rifle.  REALLY???  How about we ban them completely.  The argument for keeping them would also justify people being able to buy tanks and bazookas.  Maybe that would be ok if you are 21.

And, of course, at times of national tragedy, we look to our leaders for guidance, empathy and resolve.  Our President thinks that maybe bump stocks aren’t a good idea.  But his real answer is to arm teachers with guns.  This is possibly the most hair-brained idea of his, but of course, it isn’t really his idea at all.  It is the NRA’s solution.  And what of our other leaders?  Tim Ryan, Democrat of Ohio who sought to replace Nancy Pelosi, was willing to consider raising the age limit for buying these military weapons.  How very brave!  Our Speaker of the House Paul Ryan (aka Marshall Petain of Vichy fame) has said nothing nor has Majority Leader McConnell.  Various politicians who are part of the anti-gun lobby have reiterated their predictable refrain.  But why not shut down the government over this?  Well, they hem and haw and go back to talking points.

The only hope we have are the students and their followers.  They are genuine and scared, yet brave and courageous.  This makes them unrecognizable from the normal palaver spooned up to us by the various networks and political leaders.

There was another voice heard that was profound and worth much more note than it has received.  Al Hoffman, a major voice in the Republican Party for years, is having none of it.  He was the Finance Chair for the Republican National Committee, National Finance Chair for John McCain in his Presidential campaign as well as Ambassador to Portugal under President George W. Bush.  Al said he will not give another penny to any candidate that will not support a ban on assault weapons.  And he means it.  I told him that I admired him and was with him.  As for those of you who read this, please join me in saying, “I am with Al.”