As the Summer Olympics approach it’s always fun to explore what new sports might be added to the games. This year, there are four newly-added sports: breaking, sport climbing, skateboarding and surfing. There is another event that could be added to the track and field competition. Along with long jump, high jump and triple jump, we could add a new, increasingly popular event, especially among conservative Republicans; the jump to conclusions. This event is suited to those who can leap to the most improbable conclusions propelled by the most extreme opinions and the fewest facts, to see how far-fetched and out there a jump’s conclusion can land. One politician who has shown a particular facility for this new event is PA State Representative Stephanie Borowicz, who, in the face of Democrats’ attempts to pass gun safety regulations, warned fellow Republicans if they vote for this legislation, they “are aiding and abetting the socialism and communism the Democrats are pushing in this nation.” This is a leap of Herculean proportions, and could be a medal contender. Borowicz, and her Republican colleagues are so focused on their anti-anything-Democrat, anti-anything-that-touches-their- guns hype that they completely lose sight of why this kind of legislation is so necessary. Those who are mentally ill should not have access to guns. Half of all suicides in Pennsylvania are by firearm. The Red Flag law seeks to temporarily disarm those who are a danger to themselves and to others. How many young people would be alive today if a gun had not been handy? How many wives or mothers or girlfriends would still be with their families had an angry spouse or boyfriend not had access to a gun? This is communism? Socialism? No. That is a very long jump to a confounding conclusion. Yet Borowicz successfully soared over the chance to save lives as she stuck the landing of her implausible conclusion. Borowicz’s heartless stonewalling and bullying of fellow legislators helped to defeat two of the four gun safety legislation proposals. Not to worry, they will not pass, as fellow Republican representative Russ Diamond crowed, “there’s only one good thing about this bill… it will go to the Senate to die.” How many more Pennsylvanians will die as a result? How many families, schools, and places of worship will be devastated because Republican conservatives are okay with crazies carrying concealed weapons? Are okay not ensuring that guns be stored safely? Are okay that gun owners are not required to report lost or stolen firearms? To try to ensure that the vulnerable have some safeguards in place to protect themselves and their loved ones is not socialism. It is not communism. These safety measures would simply give all of us a greater chance at life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. Isn’t that what America is supposed to be about? Instead of jumping to such misguided and dangerous conclusions, why not try a new sporting event: a leap of faith. We are all in this together. Can we not advocate for sound and sane gun safety regulations that support level-headed gun ownership while saving innocent and at-risk lives? That would be the greatest event and victory of all.