The Truth About Guns posted a quick article today on the topic of background checks. The author, Robert Farago, summoned the recent protest in Washington state against Initiative 594, which was passed by voters and extends background checks for all sales and transfers of firearms. The protest is said to have brought over 1,000 supporters out to show their opposition to the new law.
So the big question is, do you support background checks? The biggest argument that comes up is that of the convicted felon. Do background checks stop them from purchasing firearms? Does it matter? How large of a difference is there between a convicted felon that committed a violent crime vs. one that didn’t?
Another topic is that of the mentally ill obtaining firearms. Is the system in place something that is able to stop a mentally ill individual from walking into a gun shop to purchase a firearm? It’s a case-by-case situation, I believe, and nothing in the world will stop all people with bad intentions from getting their hands on a firearm.
Back to the felon talk, I personally have two friends that have felony records for non-violent crimes, and I see no reason why they can’t own a firearm now that they’ve done their time and have returned to society as productive members.
If an active criminal wants to get their hands on a firearm, I think that they will find a way regardless.
What say you?
