Absolutism is a position that holds under any and all conditions, allows no exceptions for any reasons, circumstances, or possibilities. An absolutist is one who holds such positions.
Should known or suspected terrorists be permitted to fly on airplanes?
Should known or suspected terrorists be permitted to buy guns?
Reasonable people would say no to both questions.
There are folks in Congress who answer no to the first question but yes to the second. Absurd? Yes. But it illustrates the nature of absolutism.
The National Rifle Association and those in Congress it has bought or sufficiently intimidated are absolutists, along with any who might be absolutists by conscience or conviction.
Beware of absolutists in politics -- and religion.
For a delightful look at terrorists and their right to buy guns, see:
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/05/06/opinion/06gcollins.html?hp
or Toles' cartoon in the Washington Post:
http://voices.washingtonpost.com/tomtoles/?hpid=opinionsbox1
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