by Craig R. Whitney (Get the Book)Is there any way past the impasse on gun control that pits supporters of the Second Amendment against those concerned about escalating gun violence in the U.S.? Whitney, a reporter, self-described conservative liberal, and member of the National Rifle Association, aims to find common ground between the polarities that steer elections and fund lobbying campaigns. He examines the Second Amendment, why interpretations of it are so divergent, and why the right to bear arms is enshrined in the Bill of Rights. He explores Supreme Court decisions, state laws throughout the nation (except Illinois and the District of Columbia) that permit individuals to own guns, controversial stand-your-ground laws, and violent shootings, which add fuel to both sides of the gun control debate. Whitney gives equal time to gun enthusiasts, from collectors to hunters, who are among the 60 million Americans who own more than 300 million guns, a third of them handguns. This is a very thoughtful, well-researched, and well-reasoned argument in favor of the right to bear arms within reasonable limitations and an appeal to responsible gun ownership. --Booklist
