Why do Progressives tend to not get what we want? Why can't we frame the debate? I'd argue one symptom of why not is that we can't even unify ourselves. A symptom of this is the fact that on the day when one of our own Congresswomen is shot in the head, the response is for right-wing political talking points to appear on the rec list, of one of the most supposedly liberal and left wing sites on of the party. Of the supposed base.
Look, I don't support taking anyone's guns away. Yesterday night, when one of my co-workers, who I know is on Glenn Beck's email-list, showed me a picture of his stash of 10-12 assault weapons (all assault weapons), including an SKS and AK-47, some of which I was sure was illegal, I just smiled and nodded. I said I had thought seriously about buying a gun once, and only stopped when I realized I would have to drop several hundred dollars and I don't even enjoy shooting. Nor do I think I could point a weapon at another human being and pull the trigger, even if they were trying to rob me. I would try to negotiate, even if it cost me everything. That is me. Deal with it.