Expanding background checks for guns. [View all]

https://www.democraticunderground.com/126213977
https://www.democraticunderground.com/100216131589

I posted these a few days ago and it occurs to me that there MUST be something that can be done to reduce the increasing carnage within the framework of gun ownership. If so then it is clear to me that too many of the wrong people are getting guns, that is, people who don't have training, people who have antisocial issues and possibly people with psychological issues or even personal grievances.

I suggest that the background check system be expanded. We already recognize the need to include private sales in the background check and although it is yet become law it can't end there. People who buy guns must be screened more carefully.

For me the NICS check is not enough. Given all the after-the-fact stories of manifestos and 'missed signals on social media' a social media scan has to be part of the background check. It is, after all, public in almost all cases.

Next I'd add local law enforcement. They could scan court records for divorce proceedings, custody battles and other high stress proceedings. Personal interviews with intimate partners, employers and family members should also be part of the background check system. Then, at the discretion of local law enforcement, a 'permit to purchase' order could be issued with a 6 month expiration date. A purchase after 6 months would require another permit application because life changes.

A permit to purchase order and a certificate of training should be required along with the standard NICS check before taking possession of a firearm.

This would necessitate the re-reinstatement of 'May Issue' to replace the current 'Must Issue' standard. Bring human discretion back into the process.

Because many states would refuse to implement such a standard and states are not required to enforce federal law without federal funding this standard should be mandated at the federal level and paid for with taxes on guns and ammo. The second amendment is a constitutional mandate and the constitution is a federal document, so I don't see an issue with taking the lead over the 50 states.

Eventually there must be an electronic data base of guns and owners. How else can those who become 'prohibited' be located and their guns removed? In fact, the NRA has a pretty extensive data base already provided by dealers for promotional purposes.

Looking at each of these steps I see nothing that the courts have held as violating the second amendment.