The problem with using a broadstroke “mental illness” designation means that politicians, unelected bureaucrats, and leftist “medical professionals” are allowed to define it.
We have to be very careful with the language we use, because it can be used against us in the future. Fair political winds in the near term do not predict smooth sailing in the future.
“The problem with using a broadstroke “mental illness” designation means that politicians, unelected bureaucrats, and leftist “medical professionals” are allowed to define it.”
Agreed! The entire problem is made more difficult by reason of the huge cadre of public officials who are Leftists, and are supported by Leftist judges. These people have shown themselves to be quite capable of abandoning the law in order to achieve their Marxist objectives. So here we are, needed a reasoned, legal, process for removing firearms from those who are incapable of using them responsibly.
Rarestia - I totally agree. It is very dangerous indeed to label folks ‘mentally ill.’ Who determines that? Under what circumstances? By what set of rules? Someone might call a Christian, for instance ..., mentally ill because he believes sodomy is wrong. Or is not Politically Correct. Who determines? Whoever is on first.
During Obama’s Abuse of Power, for instance, he could have put out an EO determining that anyone who thought Islam was evil was mentally ill. Look at the psychiatrists - they hold a stealth meeting and determine that homosexuality is no longer aberrant.
Who decides? Who makes the rules? Boy oh boy, I want nothing in the government having anything to do with that.