Gail:Thanks. I know you’re not into sports, but this year’s Super Bowl was a really good game. And it’s always nice to see a city’s residents — all ages, races and even political parties — get together for such a happy community event.

Bret:Don’t tell anyone, but I watched it. Incredible game.

Gail: And then — gunfire. One innocent woman killed and more than 20 people wounded, including 11 children. In a state where, with few exceptions, 19-year-olds can carry concealed weapons without a permit.

You can follow all my thoughts from there.

Bret:The mind-set that allows this is illogical, incomprehensible, insane — and apparently incurable. The most obvious thing any state can do is raise the age of gun ownership to at least 21 if not older, and to impose long jail sentences on anyone possessing or selling weapons to anyone younger. If you can’t buy a beer, you shouldn’t be able to buy a gun. Shouldn’t be a hard call.

But as with so much else in America these days, the extremes rule and compromise is ruled out. Those two facts define American decline.

Gail:You’re right. but let’s try to end on a happier note. Still celebrating last week’s special congressional election in New York, in which the Democrat, Tom Suozzi, won the seat previously occupied by the horrific George Santos. Arguing for a sane, moderate plan to fix the border crisis. Exactly the kind of candidate you’re worried has gone out of fashion.

Bret:Suozzi may be the single best reason to move to Long Island. Sadly, he’s also the only one. See you next week!

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