General Discussion
In reply to the discussion: I don't care what anyone thinks about their right to own guns [View all]Senator Tankerbell
(316 posts)I do think an argument could be made that driving a car is a right but I know what you mean. It isn't in the bill of rights. Would it have been included if cars had been invented at that point? We'll never know.
From a constitutional law stand-point, you may be correct. It really depends on how the supreme court would decide on it. The current make-up of the court, as well as previous courts, would agree with you. Maybe we would need to amend the constitution in order to require licensing. I know that isn't likely.
But as a practical matter, would you oppose a requirement for people to take gun-safety classes followed by a test? Would you oppose mental health screening as part of that process? That seems like a reasonable compromise between banning guns and just letting anybody with a pulse have as many as they want. I know plenty of people who have guns who don't worry me at all because they are responsible but I also know some people who I really don't think should have them.
It's a tough issue. My first priority isn't actually making more gun laws. My first priority is improving mental health services. That and creating a more just society generally could solve the problem without the need for more gun-control.