Horrific Newtown, CT school shooting

[GBBob]

Originally Posted by GPK

I don't know all the particulars about selling a gun (it's been years since I bought one), but I work at a place that sells firearms (no handguns) and I do know that there is a sh*tload of paperwork and identification that goes into selling one, along with a waiting period for State Police background check. Those that do sell the guns are trained to listen for certain phrases and words, and if they suspect something, they are given authority to refuse a gun sale.

The big loophole that has to be closed is that no background checks are required on purchases at gun shows. I know my extreme opinion on gun availability is in the miority and I'm fine with that, but how the NRA can rationally argue that this in in anyone's best interests is beyond me. Their paranoia that there is this slippery slope from having tougher background checks and better registration standards leading to guns not being available is ridiculous.

The other factor in this tragedy concerns mental illness. Everyone feels so good about themselves for supporting breast cancer walks and wearing cancer bracelets, and obviously, these are all incredibly worthwhile charities fighting horrible diseases, but no one wants to talk about mental illness and the toll and expense it takes on this country. I've heard this guy called a nut and a whacko and while there is ZERO justification for what he did, he was ill and the lack of support from BOTH his parents is appalling. And as a society, until we learn to treat mental illness like we do cancer, this will happen again and again.