US President Joe Biden is renewing gun-control pledge following shootings in Georgia and Colorado

This week in Washington, an old ritual is playing out with new twists.

After two shootings in a single week left 18 Americans dead, politicians are resuming the gun-control debate with religious vigour. 

In a country that sees hundreds of mass shootings annually, these arguments have echoed through the halls of Congress as often as ancient proverbs ring out in cathedrals.

Republicans say the second amendment is sacrosanct: A right to arm oneself is needed because evil is inevitable. Humans are always going to find a way to commit violence against each other. 

Democrats say the second amendment need not be so rigid. Regulation of arms is needed because evil acts are preventable. Humans would hurt each other less if they lacked the tools.