Author’s note: I wrote this before the recent SCOTUS activity allowing open carry in NY and overturning Roe v Wade. These two issues get at my fundamental values about the sanctity of life, personal autonomy, religious freedom and feminism. It makes this topic even more personal to me than before. I’ve decided to let the piece stand and then add a few thoughts at the end.
Thank you for these thoughts! Your NRA question reminded me that sometime last year, I engaged with a Facebook friend with whom I disagree on almost everything and was pleasantly surprised to realize that the NRA did not reflect this individual's views about gun rights--she was much more willing than the NRA to agree with me on what I consider common-sense protections related to guns. I'll add that this individual--and almost everyone in my orbit with whom I disagree this strongly on this many topics--are friends from my AmeriCorps year in Appalachian western MD. Given how many politicians were trying to disband this program when I participated in the 1990s, it's kind of astonishing that it still exists; I think expanding (dare I suggest mandating) national service may be one solution toward fostering constructive disagreement.
Thank you for these thoughts! Your NRA question reminded me that sometime last year, I engaged with a Facebook friend with whom I disagree on almost everything and was pleasantly surprised to realize that the NRA did not reflect this individual's views about gun rights--she was much more willing than the NRA to agree with me on what I consider common-sense protections related to guns. I'll add that this individual--and almost everyone in my orbit with whom I disagree this strongly on this many topics--are friends from my AmeriCorps year in Appalachian western MD. Given how many politicians were trying to disband this program when I participated in the 1990s, it's kind of astonishing that it still exists; I think expanding (dare I suggest mandating) national service may be one solution toward fostering constructive disagreement.