So it seems that the Senate has narrowly headed off a filibuster of gun control legislation whose provisions on background checks are supported by a mere 83 percent of Americans. In the midst of following the latest news on the political maneuvering, my friend and fellow-philosopher, Dale Miller (no relation) reminded me of a really great Mill quotation that seems particularly relevant:

It is a melancholy truth, that if any measure were proposed, on any subject, truly, largely, and far-sightedly conservative, even if Liberals were willing to vote for it, the great bulk of the Conservative party would rush blindly in and prevent it from being carried.

Indeed.

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