by David Safier
In a sane world, death threats from gun nuts would make the rest of society even more adamant about controlling the spread of the most dangerous weapons. But it's understandable that a sane person receiving those threats might back down.
Case in point: Washington state Rep Sherry Appleton (D) proposed a bill limiting the overreach of self-defense rights legislation. The purpose would be to limit the ability of people like George Zimmerman to invoke self defense as a reason for shooting and killing Trayvon Martin.
Disagree with her? Fine, argue your point and try to get her bill voted down. But that's not what happened. Appleton got so many threatening emails and telephone calls, she decided to pull her bill.
This kind of thing happens all the time when legislators propose gun violence legislation. Some understandably back down in the face of the threats while others hold firm. But the thought that advocating any kind of gun control means you're painting a target on your back puts a dangerous restraint on the discussion about guns.