However, such a simplistic view of political identity falls short. I’ve given up hope that it will ever lead to a significant transformation in turning a red state blue. Nevertheless, I remain hopeful that engaged conservative voters can educate their elected officials about the incompatibility of far-right ideologies with effective governance.
Regardless of gun ownership or political affiliation, Americans universally desire to keep firearms away from dangerous and unstable individuals. They also share the common goal of preventing tragic incidents, like school shootings, that claim innocent lives. Recent events in Tennessee have revealed this significant area of agreement.
Notably, former U.S. senator Bill Frist has publicly expressed support for the nonpartisan gun-sense advocacy nonprofit Voices for a Safer Tennessee. Moreover, at the Capitol, several parents from Covenant School took the opportunity to personally thank Representative Jones for his advocacy. One of them emphasized, “This is not a partisan issue. You guys stood up for us, and we appreciate it, despite my Republican affiliation.”
It was an error on my part to believe that Tennessee’s special legislative session would yield meaningful gun reform. Even now, my remaining hope may prove unfounded. Nevertheless, if I were to place a bet, I’d place it on the courageous mothers protesting at the Tennessee Capitol. They fight not just for their own children’s lives but for the lives of all children. Politicians who are beholden to the gun lobby can no longer hide from these determined individuals.
Margaret Renkl, an Opinion writer and author of “Graceland, at Last” and “Late Migrations,” will publish her next book, “The Comfort of Crows: A Backyard Year,” in October.
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