The Republican National Committee yesterday elected former Maryland leiutenant governor Michael Steele to its top post.  Described as a "moderate," Steele showed little understanding of Second Amendment issues in a Washington Post interview snippet that's been making its way around the Internet.  In the interview he advocates "enforcing the laws that are on the books," echoing one of NRA's "kinder and gentler" lines from a few years ago.  Inviting strict enforcement of existing law can be a dangerous wish if that law is as broken as the 1968 Gun Control Act.  Steele also demonstrates the upside-down "needs-based" theory of "assault weapons."

"What do you need an assault weapon for, if you're going hunting?"

We'd point out that a) hunting is not a Second Amendment issue, and b) as Americans we are blessed not to have to demonstrate need for everything we want.  NRA endorsed his unsuccessful 2006 senatorial bid.  In the virulently anti-gun state of Maryland, an NRA endorsement could mean that he salivates less at the thought of banning guns than the other guy.

So, congratulations to Mr. Steele.  We hope to be able to work with him.