Shoot First, Regret Legislation Later

Unfortunately, this legislative absurdity is a problem for more than just Florida. A triumphant N.R.A. has vowed to get "stand your ground" laws passed in every state. "We will start with red and move to blue," LaPierre has declared, adding ominously, "Politicians are putting their career in jeopardy if they oppose this type of bill."

Though irritating, LaPierre's cockiness is perhaps justified. The Bush years have been good to the N.R.A. With Republicans running Washington, cowed Democrats are afraid to utter the words gun control even in the privacy of their homes. As a result, despite polls showing that most Americans support sensible gun laws, the N.R.A. has opposed even popular measures like renewing the 1994 ban on assault weapons (which Congress let lapse last year). At this point, the N.R.A. won't even support banning the sale of guns to terrorist suspects on the no-fly list. Pressed on the matter, LaPierre has piously asserted, "This is a list that somebody has just put a name on. These people haven't been indicted for anything. They haven't been convicted of anything."

Alas, despite its oft professed commitment to keeping weapons away from the bad guys, the N.R.A. clearly has no use for any gun laws--other than some Wild West, kill-or-be-killed law of the streets. But, hey, if that's the way the gun lobby thinks we should start handling disputes in this country, maybe it's time the Democratic Party stopped agonizing about gun control and started brushing up on its aimif only for purposes of self-defense. I'd be happy to organize a trip to the skeet range anytime, guys. My Volvo seats five. •