GUNS DON'T KILL PEOPLE, OR DO THEY?

[HairOfTheDog]

Or maybe the constitutional rights of the mentally ill and the criminals, trump those of law abiding citizens or the body politic?

That's what I believe. I can't help but feel if that weren't the case there would be a database filled with the names of those who have seen a professional for mental health issues. Their right to privacy trumps a citizens right to be safe. This doesn't just effect those who get access to guns but those who would fly a plane full of people into a mountain.

I don't want to infringe on the rights of the mentally ill or stigmatize those who seek treatment.

I think if all states simply reported into the federal background check system database (NICS) in accordance with the current regulations, it would have a meaningful impact in reducing some types of gun violence. That would be accomplished without unfairly discriminating against or further stigmatizing mentally ill people (or those who just seek psychiatric counseling, take meds for mild depression, etc.)

To me, it's similar to the Military's disqualification of certain mentally ill people; it's prudent to disqualify some people for their own safety and the safety of others.

The Second Amendment to the Constitution ensures the right to bear arms in the context of maintaining a well-regulated Militia of the people. As I see it, "well-regulated" should include screening who is eligible to safely participate by bearing arms.