When 9-11 occurred, the Bush White House saw an opportunity to scare folks into supporting the Patriot Act that compromised American freedoms – having nothing to do with national security.

Now that we’ve had this most recent shooting, Trump and his minions are working up alternative arguments, like immigration would make a difference, and talking about domestic terrorism, and giving lip service to mental health. INTENDING – to do nothing – AGAIN – to change our gun laws.

Today, there are reports that we have people running for cover at Times Square because of a back fire.

Australia spun on a dime when their national security was at risk. Reform was a nationwide almost overnight phenomenon.

We have to re-set the gun culture to a base line that may be further reduced.

We must do all the things we know make a difference – ban mega-clips, military weapons, require background checks everywhere including gun shows, create more gun free zones, not just schools, and enforce it, 1 gun a year (not one monthly), no guns for violent felons, domestic threats, nor for mentally committed individuals, all weapons locked and unloaded when a child is present, in the home and in a car, and more – and certify that anyone who has a gun be a person who knows how to handle a gun.

All that said, I was working on the Hill when Columbine happened, as Special Counsel for Rep. Lofgren, as part of the Judiciary Committee’s effort, and we spent a lot of time and energy with an ensemble of brilliant legislators drafting a bill and amendments that would have saved lives.

Nor for all the good he did, on other legislation, I will never forgive Rep. John Dingell for carrying water for the NRA, attending the Dem caucus meetings on gun reform, arguing against gun reform, taking back what he learned from the Dems to plot with the Republican Caucus and the NRA, and thus I denounce him once again, these years of inaction later, for his role in defeating legislation then that might have made a difference – even saved lives – over the years.

If there is a Hell, every one of these pro gun adherent foot draggers and NRA proponents are headed for a fiery corner in an eternal blaze of pain and suffering equivalent to all that they’ve forced on those innocents who died in a blaze of gun fire, and those who mourned, and are still mourning, to this day for their lost spouses, siblings, friends and neighbors.

Still, we have wonderful people we must celebrate and support who care to fight for life and against gun violence, and we should let them know we are grateful and stand by them.