YouTube Debate: Guns and People with Mental Illnesses

Last night on the CNN/YouTube Democratic Presidential debate, the discussion briefly touched on mental illness--in the context of if people with mental illnesses should be allowed to own guns. New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson said, "Nobody who has a criminal background or is mentally ill should be able to get a weapon. That is the key, and that includes gun sales. That includes gun sales at gun shows." (See http://www.cnn.com/2007/POLITICS/07/23/debate.transcript.part2/ for a transcript of the discussion about guns).

This got me thinking. There are alarming statistics that show firearms in the home are a risk factor for suicide--but should having a diagnosis of a mental illness automatically disqualify you from the right to bear arms? Should people with certain diagnoses be held to a different standard than people with other diagnoses when attempting to purchase a gun?

I have been trying to come up with answers, but I can only think of more and more questions.

Thoughts, comments, suggestions?

Asking the right questions...

On July 23rd, the Democratic presidential candidates will field video questions posted by YouTube users. At least one person is asking the right kind of question...




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