I’ve never been shot. And yet here I am, prattling on about guns, gun control and freedom. OK, my father’s family was pretty much wiped out in the Holocaust. But that was, what, sixty-eight years ago? What’s important now are the victims of today’s gun violence. Specifically the ones who blame guns and gun control for their injuries or the injuries or death of their loved ones. They’re important because . . . they’re pathetic. Yes I’m going there . . .
Whether the gun control industry’s trotting out the victim of a failed assassination, a gang banger’s bereaved parents or the relatives of children slaughtered at Sandy Hook, it’s all about pathos: a direct appeal to emotion. One that bypasses and/or overwhelms reason. Truth be told, these pro-disarmament victims are like car accident survivors trying to set automotive safety standards. But then, in some ways, so am I. Bottom line: does suffering create credibility? Equally, we know that guns save life. So how do you sell a lack of suffering?