On Thu, 11 Apr 2013 09:16:03 -0400, "Eisboch" wrote:



"J Herring" wrote in message
.. .

On Thu, 11 Apr 2013 08:19:36 -0400, "Eisboch" wrote:

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Are you saying that right also extends to convicted felons, people
with serious mental health issues, alcoholics and drug addicts?


The Constitution does not exclude them.

But then again, a convicted felon forfeited some of his rights. Those
with serious mental health
issues could easily be considered a danger to themselves and/or
society. Alcoholics and drug
addicts? How would that he controlled. I doubt if AA or NA are going
to provide lists of members.
And besides, members don't 'sign up' or register to be a member.

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I don't know about other states but the gun permit application in MA
has specific questions regarding drug addiction and/or a history of
"habitual drunkenness" or treatment for alcohol abuse. There's a
reason for that. I believe answering in the affirmative will
disqualify the applicant for a permit. They may qualify following a
treatment program and a doctor's statement that the person has
successfully been drug or alcohol free for a period of 5 years. Both
addictions are considered to be mental health issues.

Having had some up close and personal experience in the past year with
an alcoholic who we were finally able to get into a program for
recovery, I can completely support that restriction. Drug and
alcohol addiction can totally change a person into someone you would
never recognize.


Seems silly. A recovering alcoholic, one who's not had a drink for over five years, let's say, would
need a doctor to attest to that? How the hell would a doctor know? The Form 4473 has a similar
question about addiction to marijuana, narcotics, etc. It would be very easy for a slightly less
than honest person to simply say 'no'. Unless there were some record or conviction, he 'd get away
with it.

I've gone through the same experience you have with an alcoholic. The individual, a brother, has
been sober for several years now. I wouldn't hesitate to let him buy a firearm. He's also a retired
cop.


Salmonbait

--
'Name-calling' - the liberals' last stand.