There’s a fine line between skepticism and cynicism, and I’m right on the line when I read something like this:
Days before the Delaware General Assembly reconvenes in January, a Democratic senator plans to host a gun violence forum in Wilmington.
“This forum is not slated toward gun control or gun rights,” said Sen. Stephanie Hansen, D-Middletown, in a statement on Monday. “The goal is to set aside the picket signs and bullhorns, and focus on the facts … and foster more constructive conversations.”
The event will be held at the state’s Carvel Office Building on Jan. 9. Topics will include home sale of firearms, background checks, training and licensing requirements, the definition of an “assault weapon” and crime statistics, according to a Monday press release.
There probably won’t be much room for picket signs, since you have to be invited to attend. Members of the governor and attorney general’s offices have been invited, along with lawmakers and “groups on both sides of this issue,” according to the release, which cited limited seating.
Let’s blow up one argument first. Citing ‘limited seating’ as a reason why only the invited can attend means that you chose a place without enough seats to accommodate those who are interested. It also, of course, heightens my skepticism. Or is it cynicism? (BTW, will the press have some of those limited seats, or is this event completely closed? And, if so, why?)
OK, kids, let’s try to figure out what’s happening here. I start with this question: Why is this a Stephanie Hansen production? I find it almost impossible to believe that this is her initiative, and her initiative alone. Could McBride and Poore be using her to provide cover for their cowardly refusal to bring up gun reform for votes? For that matter, is the Governor doing the same? ‘Cowardly’ is perhaps the best descriptor for the Empty Suit Who Occupies The Office. Hansen has not publicly embraced a stance on these issues either way. Knowing her history, though, ‘honest broker’ is not the phrase that comes to mind.
Just what does she hope to accomplish? Does she really hope to find common ground amongst the sloganeers? Are second amendment absolutists suddenly going to engage in constructive discourse.? First time for everything, I guess. And what would that common ground be? Since, by definition, common ground suggests mutual agreement, is there anything that both sides could agree with that would actually do anything worthwhile? Color me…you know.
Here’s what she could hope to accomplish: Upside: Gun nuts refuse to budge, leading to consideration of the bills that McBride has bottled up. I give that about a 1% likelihood. Downside: Nothing approaching an agreement, Hansen, Carney and the centrist D’s throw up their hands, and say that it’s not worth pursuing anything until the sides can reach agreement, as if the arguments on both sides carry equal weight. In other words, a false choice. As a cynic, I think that this is exactly the intent of this exercise. As a skeptic, I’m doubtful but have hope.
Is there a possible wild card here? Yes. The Attorney General’s office is involved in this meeting. We know where AG Kathy Jennings stands. We, or I, think that she could blow John Carney out of the water if she were to primary him. Maybe she will give him cover to grow a pair. Or, failing that, primary his ass.
Hey, call it cynicism or my Spidey Sense, but this enterprise has Delaware Way stench all over it. Maybe, if press is allowed, I’ll check it out. Gee, I wonder what the odds of DL getting a press credential are?