Litmus Test
The term "litmus test" is often used as a metaphor for something that's of value when making decisions involving complex issues. I have long held that the 2nd Amendment to our Constitution can be used as a litmus test to indicate the value that a person places on liberty, freedom, and civil rights. When the same test is applied to a political party, the results are even more profound. There are certainly other issues to be considered during an election cycle, but the right guaranteed by the 2nd Amendment is paramount. Thanks to the recent publication of the 2012 Democratic and Republican political party platform statements, we don't have to guess at how each of them value our freedom to keep and bear arms.