I had a friend who was a Democrat but was pro gun rights. She grew up on a ranch in Texas in the 1950s and knew how to use a rifle. You needed to be able to do that on a ranch where you might encounter rattlesnakes, etc. The reason she voted Democrat — she believed they cared about poor people.

She also believed in the Constitution, which guarantees the right to bear arms. Some of us actually care about founding documents.

Yesterday in Texas there was a shooting at a church. A guy started to kill people during communion. A church member with a concealed carry license shot him. The murderer managed to kill two people before he died, but think how much worse it could have been if not for the armed congregant.

Guns are a tool just like toasters and cars and knives. In Boston, terrorists killed people with a pressure cooker and some nails. They have also used cars to mow down people, which is why German Christmas markets now have barricades. It’s really pretty sad. For centuries people were able to peacefully do things that now they have to be vigilant about.

At any rate, I have many friends who used to vote Democrat. They might be pro 2nd amendment or pro-life or not as far left economically, but they agreed with much of the platform. That was then. Many of them don’t think there is a place for moderates any longer in the Dem party. Some vote Republican, some vote Independent, some sit out elections… bottom line, the radical left has cost the Dems votes.