Letter: Why do we ban guns to those with a mental illness diagnosis?
The “right to bear arms” and “thou shalt not kill” are laws of the land and already face dire consequences if violated. As examples of these consequences, we are incarcerated if we use a gun illegally and we die if we face a bear while camping in the woods.
Why do we ban guns to those with a mental illness diagnosis? They face the same consequences if they use a gun illegally. And why are millions of people who want to buy guns subjected to background checks that violate our Fourth Amendment rights not to be searched? Do you want someone looking through your medical file?
President Obama’s latest executive order has dire consequences to those diagnosed with a mental disorder. A depressed German man killed hundreds piloting an aircraft and Robin Williams killed himself with a belt, breaking the hearts of those who love and live on.
Diagnosing and telling a person that they have a mental illness is a death sentence and should be unethical. Getting help for severe paranoia, panic attacks, and unorganized thoughts should be the practice of medical personnel, family, church and law makers or politicians.
Peace.
Dawn Wood, Kennewick
This story was originally published January 16, 2016 at 5:19 PM with the headline "Letter: Why do we ban guns to those with a mental illness diagnosis?."