Despite my best efforts to steer clear of the most recent and inevitable gun laws debate, mostly out of respect for the Newtown community, it has been impossible to turn a blind eye.

The president subtly addressed the matter of gun control during his vigil address to the Newtown community Sunday; and a number of conservative legislators switched their position on gun control this week, igniting a media storm of debate about what could be or should be done about current gun laws, and when. What happened last week undoubtedly galvanized the discussion of gun policy in this country and love it or hate it, I believe we’re on the brink of change.

One of the biggest issues I see at the core of this convoluted discussion is that peoples’ emotions tend to cloud judgement. It’s a sensitive issue, and rightfully so. On one side, a populace dedicated to preserving our nation’s 230 year old heritage; on the other side, people committed to protecting ourselves from, well, ourselves. Unfortunately, with all the noise, the back and forth, the accusations, the threats, the “reasoning” and “patriotism” (for lack of better words), those who are unbiased about the issue – arguably the voice of reason – aren’t being heard.

In the midst their emotion, advocates of gun control as well as those who oppose it lose sight of logic and fly off the cuff instead. Subsequently, there’s no meaningful discussion, just push and push back (and admittedly, some ill educated, conspiracy-driven arguments generated by opposing views of each side have gotten me stirred up too).