Developmental disorders and gun control.

[Quark]

So some of the "gun control" topics which most Americans agree on include more numerous and encompassing background checks and stricter laws on individuals with mental health problems in obtaining and utilizing guns. One issue I have with this is whether or not this will hurt perfectly responsible and sane individuals who might have a developmental disorder: either a specialized one (like ADD, ADHD, or a learning disorder) or a pervasive developmental disorder (Adam Lanza had Asperger's syndrome.) I, like Adam Lanza, also have Asperger's syndrome, but, I feel I am quite responsible with my endeavors in utilizing guns, and I know for certain that I'd never harm anybody unless in self-defense. Now, while there is a high chance that most people will be minimally affected by this, I'm alarmed at what might fall under "mental illness." It seems to me that if they put further restrictions, mental illness will certainly include PDD's like Asperger's syndrome, just on the reasoning that Adam Lanza had Asperger's Syndrome and James Holmes had similar tendencies. Of course, the DSM V is replacing the Asperger's syndrome diagnosis with the Autistic Spectrum Disorder one, but I'm afraid to become diagnosed again when that happens, in fear of losing my rights. But if I don't, then I might find it difficult to find the therapy help I need. How do you think "mental health" legislation in relation to guns will work? Will it still be a case by case basis as it is today, requiring a judge to label you as mentally incompetent or a history of institutionalization; or will it include a list of disorders and mental health problems for which nobody who is diagnosed with these can purchase, own, or use weapons? This might seem innocent enough, but with the rate at which psychiatrists are labeling kids with developmental disorders or mental health problems, it might be a means to restrict people's gun rights in the future.

 

[aloneinthewilderness]

I share your concerns. On top of being afraid of my own rights being beat to death because of a past bullshit diagnosis, I see this leading to people not getting help because they fear that they will be on the no sale list. For those wishing to ban guns, however, this is a great way to completely disarm a percentage of the population. Those who are supposed to be supporting the Second Amendment really should not be so quick to agree with the gun grabbers on strengthening background checks against those with "mental illness". It's a slippery slope, and it seems like the gun grabbers are going to get to determine who is "mentally ill" and unfit to own firearms.

 

[Acala]

Let's get the fundamentals out of the way first. The FEDERAL government has no authority to place ANY restrictions on the ownership of firearms. Period. EVERY Federal gun control law is unconstitutional.

As for your specific concern, I anticipate that the mental health industry is going to protest any law that might punish people for seeking mental health care. Hence, I don't think any additional restrictions are going to pass.

 

[CaptUSA]

Let's get the fundamentals out of the way first. The FEDERAL government has no authority to place ANY restrictions on the ownership of firearms. Period. EVERY Federal gun control law is unconstitutional.

As for your specific concern, I anticipate that the mental health industry is going to protest any law that might punish people for seeking mental health care. Hence, I don't think any additional restrictions are going to pass.

Agree entirely with you first point!

On your second point, I would agree if they thought not owning a gun was a punishment. I'm not sure enough of them do. Remember, most of the people in the medical field of endured extra years of indoctrination. Gun ownership may become its own mental health issue before too long. You know, like, "you must be irrationally paranoid if you think you need to kill someone in order to defend yourself - that's what 911 is for."

 

[Pericles]

Let's get the fundamentals out of the way first. The FEDERAL government has no authority to place ANY restrictions on the ownership of firearms. Period. EVERY Federal gun control law is unconstitutional.

As for your specific concern, I anticipate that the mental health industry is going to protest any law that might punish people for seeking mental health care. Hence, I don't think any additional restrictions are going to pass.

That ^ is the truth. If laws against murder do not provide sufficient deterrent, why would any other law accomplish the same end?

 

[pcosmar]

Mental Health Industry

Those folks are nuts. They are also becoming a branch of government,, having been intimate for so long.

ADD and ADHD are fictitious ""disorders", invented to push drugs.

Stay far away for these folks unless you want Government fucking with your head.

 

[Acala]

Agree entirely with you first point!

On your second point, I would agree if they thought not owning a gun was a punishment. I'm not sure enough of them do. Remember, most of the people in the medical field of endured extra years of indoctrination. Gun ownership may become its own mental health issue before too long. You know, like, "you must be irrationally paranoid if you think you need to kill someone in order to defend yourself - that's what 911 is for."

They may not think it a punishment but they will recognize that many of their potential patients WILL see it as punishment and choose to not get treatment. On the cynical side, that means less money for the health care industry. On the less cynical side, that means people who need help will not get it.