So, to put this and every other gun debate in context, remember that the NRA and President Trump’s Republican Party remain wildly out of step with the majority of Americans and even the most conservative Supreme Court in 80 years. Also remember that most registered Republicans and NRA members support increased background checks and other sensible gun safety laws.

Despite widespread support for such common-sense measures, almost every Republican in Washington still cowers in the corner when it is time to engage in a real and meaningful gun safety debate. They know that after absorbing the shocks of Las Vegas, Orlando, Newtown and so many others, the time to do something far-reaching on guns has come.

But what must be done?