The side that defines the words usually defines the debate.
A Personal Note
If you’ve followed me over the years, you’ve probably noticed that I pay close attention to words.
There’s a reason.
I’ve long believed that one of the greatest strengths of the political left is its disciplined use of language. It understands that words shape perception long before facts, history, or constitutional arguments enter the discussion.
Too often, those of us on the right have failed to recognize that. Worse, we repeatedly adopt our opponents’ terminology simply to argue against it. In doing so, we reinforce the very language—and the assumptions behind it—that they worked so hard to establish.
This essay is an invitation to think differently about the role language plays in the battle for the Second Amendment.
By Doris Wise, Jews Can Shoot
