Now I see it more like tectonic plate theory. The two halves of the nation continue to move in opposite directions right next to each other. 32 states have passed CCW laws, yet in CA, MD, NY, NY etc the restrictions grow vastly tighter.
I just wonder what will trigger the rupture between the two plates. The reason I chose a stadium massacre in the book is that it allows me to "fast forward" the struggle, to jump it ahead a decade in one week. But even with no outrageous trigger event, the rupture will still come, it will just take longer to arrive.
I believe that only a watershed event (and 911 had the opportunity) that fosters an almost miraculous "rivial" like spirit that sweeps the country ... awakening morality, faith and common sense ... can keep it from happening.