As detailed by Crusius and Channell;“Part of being well informed means knowing something about the history of an argument. The history of an argument tells us how and why people's views were formed and provides us with context for our opinions. Knowing context means knowing the current range of opinions on an issue. We need to know what others are saying to make our reasoning relevant.” (10) Being "a farm boy from Oregon who was given a .22 rifle for my twelfth birthday" (Kristof), it's safe to say that Kristof is familiar with guns, and having this prior knowledge hand, has developed a valuable mechanical perspective on the subject. Gathers information from international authorities and procedures in the field of arms control to form a comprehensive opinion. His weaving of others' points of view shows an attempt to rationalize his own opinion and assimilate it into the cultural context of this delicate social discussion. Directly referencing Tucson (the most recent mass shooting at the time), it validates in the currency of issue. His arguments are not fanatical or grandiose, aggressive or offensive, but subtle and confident, inviting, open to discussion and within the scope and climate of this unfortunate audience.