The idea that we can reduce gun deaths by pursuing everyone that might be mentally ill is crazy all by itself. It can't be done.
But imagine if we took the right to bear arms away from those we do know suffer from some kind of mental illness:
About 53 million Americans, nearly a quarter of all adults in the U.S., disarmed.
The weird cruel joke about not expanding background checks? Gun purchases still won't be using the greatly expanded data base. So what's the point?
Republicans like Scott Walker love to repeat the NRA talking point, but it doesn't make any sense. Walker can double down...heck triple down on documenting the mentally ill, but it won't matter. That's why the following is mindless rhetoric:
But imagine if we took the right to bear arms away from those we do know suffer from some kind of mental illness:
In 2013, there were an estimated 10 million adults aged 18 or older in the U.S. with Serious Mental Illness in the past year. This represented 4.2 percent of all U.S. adults.
In 2013, there were an estimated 43.8 million adults aged 18 or older in the U.S. with Any Mental Illness in the past year. This represented 18.5 percent of all U.S. adults.
About 53 million Americans, nearly a quarter of all adults in the U.S., disarmed.
The weird cruel joke about not expanding background checks? Gun purchases still won't be using the greatly expanded data base. So what's the point?
Republicans like Scott Walker love to repeat the NRA talking point, but it doesn't make any sense. Walker can double down...heck triple down on documenting the mentally ill, but it won't matter. That's why the following is mindless rhetoric:
Walker is steering away from the idea of stiffer gun policies, focusing instead on the issue of mental health treatment.
“The one thing you see commonly, unfortunately in almost every one of these instances is someone who’s fallen through the cracks when it comes to mental health services."
Walker says he's boosted state funding for mental health treatment and invested more money than any other governor in the past 25 years but says it will take more than money to address the root of the problem.
“The best thing we can do, more than just money, is try to break the stigma,” said Walker. “I think the more we break that stigma the better off we're going to be because then people aren't going to be afraid to get the help they need.”
Which part of "the right of the PEOPLE to keep and bear arms shall NOT be infringed" do you not understand?
ReplyDeleteIf that were true, why aren't felons givens guns?
ReplyDeleteWhere's the first part?
Why should anyone be given anything? Nothing in this world is free.
ReplyDeleteYou can look up the first part. While you're at it, read the whole thing. Obviously you need to.
Does anyone else find it just tad bit nonsensical to talk about ending the stigma of mental illness in the same paragraph as blaming mass gun violence on mental illness?
ReplyDeleteWalker projecting, in his final quote in your OP John, says it all. Maybe Scooter will lead by example, break the stigma and get some help.
ReplyDeleteStarting with outlawing all gun sales except at government run stores, no exceptions. Re-registering all privately held firearms, fingerprinting and holding liable gun owners whose guns are then used in commission of crimes, either by them or some other user. Penalties for failing to do so. Steep mandatory liability insurance on all semi-auto firearms. Just a starting point, anonymous.
Gun Humping Fanatics always leave of the first part of the 2A, well-regulated. Also the Constitution makes no reference to "Guns", it mentions arms and because I am a Strict Constitutionalist, unlike Conservatives who are always seeking to alter the Holy Bill of Rights, means Frigates, 6 pounder guns, claymores (the broadswords not mines) and muskets.
ReplyDeleteIt did occur to me if gun sellers were liable for crimes used by their sold weapon we would have registration in a minute.
ReplyDelete