2014 is now imperative.

[DanTex]

And not just for the usual reasons. But also to change the narrative on gun control.

One reason why congress won't pass laws that 90% of Americans support (beyond the fact that Republicans are nutjobs) is the idea that supporting gun control loses elections. This idea came about when the Dems lost the 94 elections after the Assault Weapons Ban was passed. Whether or not the AWB had anything to do with the election, in the minds of the "Very Serious People", 1994 was proof that gun control was a sure loser, no matter what polls say.

So, if the Dems can have a good showing in 2014 this can have the effect of reversing the conventional wisdom on gun control, and allowing politicians to do what is right and what the vast majority of Americans want.

[Seeking Serenity]

1. The AWB had a lot to do with the '94 congressional elections,

but it wasn't that issue alone. Other factors were: the '93 attempt at HC reform, the House banking scandal and the general idea that, after 40+ years straight of Democratic control of the House, the entrenched leaders were too fat and corrupt.

Whether any of those notions resonate with any of us here, it can't be disputed that they certainly played a role in the minds of the '94 voters.

[DanTex]

2. Maybe.

The AWB polled well over 50%. And for all the talk about alienating gun owners, I can't think of very many people who would have voted Democratic if not for the AWB. It's possible that the AWB motivated the GOP base, but for the most part, gun nuts are right-wing crazies to begin with.

[MineralMan]

3. Absolutely!

[Bobbie Jo]

4. Absolutely

2010 was imparitive too, and contributed greatly to the mix of whackos we have in Congress today.

Sitting it out in a snit shouldn't be an option.

K&R