I was thinking about this yesterday, and "conciliatory" is precisely the word that came to mind. The suggestion of including volunteers goes too far, IMHO, smacking more of vigilantism than law enforcement, but the NRA suggesting armed police officers at school rather than embracing the many calls I have seen to give teachers concealed weapons strikes me as a significant compromise. They are NOT saying anyone and everyone at schools should have guns, but screened, trained and certified professionals, members of (GASP!) gubment, no less. Seriously, what is so horrible about that idea? Cops in schools? Already common, and vital in many places. Cops with guns? Do not hold your breath waiting for the public to take guns away from cops.

I cannot help thinking many people despise this idea, not on its merits or flaws, but because it is the NRAs. Yet even a blind squirrel finds a nut occasionally. If two huge tragedies in a short period convinced the NRA to consider some necessary compromises, slapping them in the face for their trouble is exactly the wrong response.