The idea that we are always on the defensive is wrong. Since the sunset of the AWB - a major victory - the remaining states that weren't CCW largely became "shall issue." That was another long term major victory, too. We've gotten Supreme Court decisions affirming RKBA on the national level and others on storage in cars, parking in lots owned by the employer, etc.
It's MUCH better than it was twenty years ago - which infuriates the anti gunners who are staging these media events to maximize the political fallout. No doubt they are on the attack but it's because they have been LOSING ground and are desperately trying to make it up.
What happened after Sandy Hook? No much. It's an election year, they are braving serious fallout over the issue as it is now front and center in the political rhetoric and unlike the past few years those looking to get your votes can't sidestep it. The anti gunners were actually being held off to keep the 2A from being an issue two years ago, but now the Presidential campaign has elevated it to a major policy issue.
I've got a former Navy Seal running for office in Missouri shooting an "M4" and setting off tannerite for a campaign ad! Another female candidate is portrayed as a mom and shooting her shotgun in her ad. Best campaign ever for seeing who's a shooter - or poser - and who's dead set against guns at all. No reading up or searching the internet needed.
One thing to consider is that if it looks like we are always on the defensive with anti gunners attacking constantly - that your source of news is at fault. Stop watching the national media and 6:00 broadcast, it's been designated the official Democratic feed for decades regardless of network. "The News" is solidly leftist with no shade of conservatism or any tolerance for another point of view - so many have disengaged and don't listen any more, which has seriously challenged it's impact today. There is actually less control of the information flow because of the internet than ever, and fewer papers being published because of it too.
Just stop watching the news - even the locals are bought and paid for as one youtube video demonstrates - 16 news anchors from various stations all repeating the same talking points about the Florida shooting using the same phrases. They're simply parroting the party line. If broadcast news is the only source of information in your life, it won't give you a fair and balanced point of view. For those who won't look around on the net to find a different perspective it's a matter of not wanting to get one.
They are only on the attack with the media and in Congress, but it doesn't mean they will get any traction or that there will be major bans. The people are holding their votes hostage this year and the office seekers who were hoping to avoid this are all now thrown from the frying pan into the fire.
It's going to sort out the sheep from the goats.
