The best answer to a bad guy with political power is good guys and girls with political power. To beat the bad guys, you need to understand how political power really works.

The NRA’s real power doesn’t come from the money it gives to politicians. The New York Times’s lead story Sunday spelled it out: the NRA’s millions of dollars in direct contributions are dwarfed by the tens of millions (or hundreds, no reporting is required) they spend on voter guides, voter mobilization and political intimidation.

The NRA long ago learned a basic lesson in politics. You don’t gain power by giving politicians money; that’s a recognition of their power. Real power comes from educating voters and mobilizing them for – or against – the politicians.

Maybe this power dynamic over gun laws will change after Parkland. Maybe it will be changed by the outspoken student survivors from Parkland, who are now getting death threats for speaking out. Maybe Moms Demanding Action and everyone supporting common-sense gun control will take up the powerful weapons that are just as available to them, if not more so, as the NRA: social media, voter identification and political mobilization – fueled by grief, anger and determination.

If we do, we may find millions of Americans – Independents, Republicans and even NRA members – who are ready to get informed, get to work and get action.

Yes, Republicans. Read this Charlotte Observer column by Bob Orr, former State Supreme Court Justice and a Republican: “My party, tragically, is beholden to the NRA.”

There is real power out there, ready to be mobilized.