Two New Executive Orders Will Change Who Can Buy Guns

Mashable ^ | January 3, 2014 | Colin Daileda

[lbryce]

The White House issued two executive actions on Friday that aim to beef up background checks for would-be gun buyers and keep the weapons away from those at risk of harming themselves or others.

The first order, proposed by the Department of Justice, more clearly defines who cannot possess a handgun under federal law due to mental health issues. It is designed to clarify the language of the current law by providing better definitions for phrases like what it means to be "committed to a mental institution." This, in turn, will provide a more well-rounded picture of a potential buyer's mental health for the background check to determine whether a purchase should be allowed.

The second executive action concerns privacy laws associated with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act. States have complained that individual privacy protections have made it difficult for them to report relevant mental health information to their respective background check systems, which they fear could lead to guns falling into dangerous hands. The proposed change would allow states to relay "limited" tidbits of information that they feel should be included in background checks. The executive order stresses that it will not prevent everyone with mental health concerns from buying guns, and will not require buyers to report "routine mental health care."

Too many Americans have been severely injured or lost their lives as a result of gun violence,"

Too many Americans have been severely injured or lost their lives as a result of gun violence," the order reads. "While the vast majority of Americans who experience a mental illness are not violent, in some cases when persons with a mental illness do not receive the treatment they need, the result can be tragedies such as homicide or suicide."

The debate over gun regulation in America has always been a hotly contested one, but it erupted in December 2012 following a mass shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Connecticut that left 27 dead, including 20 kids, six adults and the gunman. President Barack Obama called for extensive gun control measures, including expanded background checks, but Congress has not passed any legislation since the attack. In the text of the executive orders, the White House continues to urge Congress to consider further gun control measures.

"Passing common-sense gun safety legislation — including expanding background checks and making gun trafficking a federal crime — remains the most important step we can take to reduce gun violence," the order reads.

[kiryandil]

I'll have to make a mental note to put this on my Bucket List:

Relieve self on Johnson's resting place.

[Veto!]

The jaws are closing on gun ownership. The “mental health” community is part of the problem.

The new DSM-5 (diagnostic and statistical manual) has defined quite a few ordinary conditions as “mental health” problems, requiring medication. Of course, this means more money for BigPharma, but now, apparently, it also means fewer people are “eligible” for gun ownership.

Did I mention that most of the people on the DSM=5 committee are also consultants to BigPharma?

Corruption everywhere. Is anyone paying them to oppose gun ownership? I really don’t know, but you might.

[usconservative]

The second executive action concerns privacy laws associated with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act. States have complained that individual privacy protections have made it difficult for them to report relevant mental health information to their respective background check systems, which they fear could lead to guns falling into dangerous hands. The proposed change would allow states to relay "limited" tidbits of information that they feel should be included in background checks.

So, if one's doctor is anti-gun and he either knows or suspects one has a gun - all he has to do is send some "limited" (cough, cough) information to the State that would disqualify one from purchasing a gun.

Nope, no chance of fraud or abuse there! (/sarc)

[Kenny Bunk]

.....hold onto their base ....

Which is well (and for the most part) illegally armed.

[Tenacious 1]

I think I saw a documentary that included a piece about “The Liberator”. As I recall, and the article implies, the weapon was a tool to be used to arm yourself with the enemies weapons. I also recall this was necessary because a weapon without ammo is a club or projectile. And getting ammo to the resistance would have been tougher than getting them these tiny guns.

[Carry me back]

Absolutely, always stand for freedom !