[Poohbah]

Where is the legal mechanism to compel Wal-Mart to release that data?

None needed. The gummint just pays Wal-Mart's going rate for extranet connectivity.

Now, what if I paid cash and did not provide my name at checkout?

Except that, in the case of firearms purchases...that isn't an option.

[dirtboy]

None needed. The gummint just pays Wal-Mart's going rate for extranet connectivity.

And what if Wal-Mart refuses - does the government compel Wal-Mart to turn over customer purchase records? And even if Wal-Mart provides the data, you'd need to capture purchase-level data from EVERY retailer and wholesaler IN THE COUNTRY - a mammoth project that would dwarf the Y2K preparations in IT.

Except that, in the case of firearms purchases...that isn't an option.

Wrong. I provide my name for the background check - but I can pay cash at the register once I have passed the background check. Paid cash for the last gun I bought back in 1999.