General Discussion
In reply to the discussion: OK, who else is sick of the demonization of the mentally ill following shootings? [View all]gwheezie
(3,580 posts)I want universal background checks for all gun sales. The database is not available for private sales or sales from straw purchases.
I also find that the database only including involuntary commitments does not address voluntary patients who are a danger to themselves or others. In my state, even if you are actively homicidal you won't be committed by any judge if you agree to voluntary treatment. The other issue is people have been committed incorrectly. They can appeal the commitment but rarely do. Where I see that most is with males who lost there job, wife is leaving, the dig died and the truck needs a new tranny. Not a usual drinker but goes out with the boys to cheer up, gets stinking drunk, starts yelling I got nuthin to live for. The cops show up and he says you fuckers take your hands off me, I'm gonna jump off a bridge. And the cops bring him in in cuffs and leg irons In the moment someone needs to get him away from a weapon but he sobers up, quite rational, gets some help, finds a better job and a new partner. I think it should be easier to appeal the commitment for that guy after a period of time or allow him involuntary outpatient commitment to keep track of him if he wants his hunting rifle back.