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Going to post this here because it's vaguely gun-related.
The news of Robin Williams apparent suicide on top of the recent push for more restrictions and confiscations from people who might be arbitrarily deemed 'too dangerous to have guns' got me thinking this morning. We're at a potentially dangerous crossroads. Suicide represents over 2/3 of all firearm deaths. It's a serious issue, one that the anti-gun community latches on to and abuses with nigh impunity. Anytime the discussion about guns turns to homicides or mass shootings, invariably the number of suicides ends up getting conflated with the statistics to make the problem seem even larger.
It's not inconceivable that we might end up with a set of laws in the near future that actively discourage suicidal or mentally-disturbed individuals who also happen to own guns from seeking help out of fear that they'll lose their property, lose their rights, or maybe even be locked up.
In the anti-gunner's zealousness to take just one gun away from civilians at any cost, we could actually be putting everyone at a higher risk of more suicides or even more mass shootings. Psychologists and medical professionals could be mandated to turn over information about gun owners with mental instability. Suicide Prevention services might adhere to a moral obligation to save a life at any cost.
So, what occurred to me is why doesn't a known, trusted, gun-right's supporting organization form a service specifically for gun owners who need help. Let's face facts. Gun owners tend to be more skeptical and guarded about their privacy and personal information. If they're battling with depression, PTSD, or other serious mental health issues, they might not feel comfortable reaching out for help. But with a gun-friendly, anonymous service, they could given assurance that, no matter what, they would not be sold out for anyone's "safety". The police wouldn't be called to confiscate their guns or arrest them. They wouldn't be involuntarily committed. If they need help, they could call a hotline and get help. Counseling. Referrals to professionals who would respect their civil rights. Gun enthusiasts and ex-military would both probably greatly benefit from such a service.
Aside from the service itself and the people it could help, it could also be a tremendous PR gesture. We often hear the NRA talk about how "gun violence" is really a mental health issue, but what are they actually doing to support moving our mental health care system forward? The NRA does a lot to bring new shooters into the sport, and promote general firearm safety. But I think that this is an overlooked opportunity to do a lot of good in a way that isn't directly related to funneling more guns into American society; something that unfortunately makes it very easy to draw battle lines.
Thoughts?
The news of Robin Williams apparent suicide on top of the recent push for more restrictions and confiscations from people who might be arbitrarily deemed 'too dangerous to have guns' got me thinking this morning. We're at a potentially dangerous crossroads. Suicide represents over 2/3 of all firearm deaths. It's a serious issue, one that the anti-gun community latches on to and abuses with nigh impunity. Anytime the discussion about guns turns to homicides or mass shootings, invariably the number of suicides ends up getting conflated with the statistics to make the problem seem even larger.
It's not inconceivable that we might end up with a set of laws in the near future that actively discourage suicidal or mentally-disturbed individuals who also happen to own guns from seeking help out of fear that they'll lose their property, lose their rights, or maybe even be locked up.
In the anti-gunner's zealousness to take just one gun away from civilians at any cost, we could actually be putting everyone at a higher risk of more suicides or even more mass shootings. Psychologists and medical professionals could be mandated to turn over information about gun owners with mental instability. Suicide Prevention services might adhere to a moral obligation to save a life at any cost.
So, what occurred to me is why doesn't a known, trusted, gun-right's supporting organization form a service specifically for gun owners who need help. Let's face facts. Gun owners tend to be more skeptical and guarded about their privacy and personal information. If they're battling with depression, PTSD, or other serious mental health issues, they might not feel comfortable reaching out for help. But with a gun-friendly, anonymous service, they could given assurance that, no matter what, they would not be sold out for anyone's "safety". The police wouldn't be called to confiscate their guns or arrest them. They wouldn't be involuntarily committed. If they need help, they could call a hotline and get help. Counseling. Referrals to professionals who would respect their civil rights. Gun enthusiasts and ex-military would both probably greatly benefit from such a service.
Aside from the service itself and the people it could help, it could also be a tremendous PR gesture. We often hear the NRA talk about how "gun violence" is really a mental health issue, but what are they actually doing to support moving our mental health care system forward? The NRA does a lot to bring new shooters into the sport, and promote general firearm safety. But I think that this is an overlooked opportunity to do a lot of good in a way that isn't directly related to funneling more guns into American society; something that unfortunately makes it very easy to draw battle lines.
Thoughts?
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