WASHINGTON -- Americans argue about guns. Some are afraid of guns, while those on the other side of the aisle assert their Second Amendment right to have arms for hunting or self-defense.
Nearly every day there's at least one news story about gun violence -- a story some sportsmen say unfairly focuses on the firearm instead of the bad guy. The other side says that's because the firearm is a killing machine.
Can we talk about this? Can one side learn from the other? Are there ideas both sides share that could help prevent gun violence?
A coalition of newsrooms led by Advance Local and Spaceship Media is conducting a closed, moderated Facebook conversation over the month to find out. The work of this Dialogue Journalism occurs mostly behind closed doors, with extensive Facebook group conversations among about 150 participants, a moderation team keeping things civil and asking questions, and reporters gathering factual information.
Now we are opening the curtain to show how "Guns, An American Conversation," is playing out.
Why are the human stories behind our positions on guns in America?
Hope you'll take the time to watch this powerful video from @Time[1].
So glad to be working with them in this ongoing #gunconversation[2] with @spaceship_media[3] and @Newseum[4]-- Michelle Holmes (@mlh_holmes)
Today's topic: The AR-15 and 'assault rifles'
So-called assault rifles, and the AR-15 in particular, get heavy debate because the AR-15 has been used in mass shootings in Newtown, Connecticut (27 dead); San Bernardino, California (14 dead); Las Vegas (58 dead); Sutherland Springs, Texas (26 dead), and Parkland, Florida (17 dead).
