Maybe its the media's influence on the easily influenced.
Maybe its the internet social networks ability to polarize and indoctrinate people.
Maybe we as a nation are coming to a fork in the road where those of us who grew up with guns, trained with guns, are responsible gun owners, and believe in the intent of the 2nd Amendment are going to be grossly outnumbered by those who have a very different view on the subject.
One of my favorite quotes: Common sense is not a common virtue.
For me, discussing the issue with someone who has absolutely no idea what I am talking about and only falls back on an emotion based response due to the propaganda they have been subjected to is a waste of time. Its like arguing with a rock. These people, the "anti's", for the most part, didn't have the same life experiences that I did. They weren't taught how to shoot and to be responsible with a weapon by their father or grandfather, they didn't get trained in the military on weapons like i did. They dont have the same point of reference to refer to when it comes to the subject that I do. As our society becomes less rural, and more urbanized, i can see us falling away more and more from outdoor activities like shooting and hunting. Combined with what I consider a culture that glamorizes violence and the instant recognition that the media and internet gives someone now and I can see why we are where we are now.
I think we as a society are close to, if not already, fucked.
I have a few weapons. I don't carry concealed as I don't feel the need to. I do, however, feel that I have the right based off the 2nd Amendment to own what ever kind of weapon I want to, for no other reason other than I can. I don't feel the need to justify why I have what I have, and i don't feel the need to ask anyone else why they own what they own.
Humans are horrible creatures, and those who are really terrible are always going to find a way to kill who they want to kill. Regardless if we ban everything that goes boom.
My 2 cents worth, not that it matters.