Great analysis. It's always seemed clear and obvious to me that it really matters who it is holding the weapon - the qualitative difference you highlighted between Israel and Iran or between the U.S. and North Korea, as another example. Those who argue for the complete ban of all weapons, from revolvers to nukes, simply refuse to admit this truth - some governments, and some people, are just more conscientious and responsible than others.

Excellent article, good insights. Thank you.

As in the Allen West race in FL, are we to assume that those who voted for Matheson are a bunch of racists? If Matheson were a Republican and Love a Democrat, you would most certainly hear that shouted loud and long.....

Can we assume that everyone who voted for Murphy is a racist? That's certainly what's said about anyone who voted for Romney.....

Mumbles Menino is an idiot - from start to finish.

Excellent. I remember being told once that I became conservative because I had become better off financially. Well, I'm not so well-off now as I was then and, if anything, I'm now more conservative.....