Americans have reached a consensus on
two issues: abortion and gun control.
Survey data told me about the first one as early as 1994. Now Abigail Kohn claims she found the second one around 1996. (Shooters: Myths and Realities of America's Gun Cultures)
The consensus on abortion is that 'I wouldn't have an abortion but others should have the legal right to have one.' More than two thirds of Americans would agree with this statement. Politics confirms it ... that is what most national candidates say. The policy problems remain on the issue of how late one can have an abortion. Over-turning Roe vs Wade would still leave 18 states with nearly all the U.S. Population with legal abortions. The pro-choice lobby should spent its money letting every thirteen year-old know about the morning after pill. Nothing could stop this information from getting out and being ubiquitous.
The consensus on guns is 'the Second
Amendment protects the right to own guns, but criminals shouldn't be
able to buy them.' Again, more than two thirds of Americans would
agree with this statement. In most states and all but a few cities,
citizens can buy and carry concealed weapons. The policy problem that
remains is to stop rogue dealers from selling guns to people (or the
representatives of people) who have a criminal record. Both
presidential candidates took this position.
Americans are not as divided as they are made to appear. Democracy can resolve moral problems, given some time. The courts may not be the best way to resolve policy differences.