My father-in-law after his 3rd heart attack a few years later complained of the pain and depression told my wife and me while we were visiting that if it got worse he would use his revolver to end his life. Suicide via a handgun is a significant source of firearms deaths. When people discus suicide, they are more likely to take their life. My wife and I talked to her father extensively to explain why his life mattered. We also did an intervention to remove his revolver from the house and put it in my gun safe.
Because of this experience, I favor some red flag laws. Mostly to prevent suicides, but for others as well. Yes there van be abuses and yes a police confiscation can be a dangerous confrontation.
Well there’s over a half a dozen States that have them already, including some that allow family members to petition a judge to remove another family members guns. You’re welcome to move to one of those States. That’s the beauty of our system isn’t it?
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gun_laws_in_the_United_States_by_state
But we don’t need fedgov to be involved, else someone like a lower level Lois Lerner might be involved in taking guns
I’m sorry you had to experience that in your family. My family also has a history of mental illness including attempted and actual suicide by close family members.
That said, such anecdotal evidence should not be enough to circumvent the constitution of the United States. What you are calling for in support of Red Flag Laws is a government who can take away personal property and self-protection for a perceived threat. You do understand that if someone gets in power that says being a Conservative or a Christian or a McDonald’s worker or whatever is a mental illness that they will use such laws to strip law-abiding citizens of their self-protection against such tyranny.
You posted to Free Republic. I am certain there are those on the left that believe that this act constitutes evidence of mental illness.
That’s the danger.