Underneath our post Gun Hero of the Day: CT Rep. Rob Sampson, commentator John warned that giving the state power to confiscate guns from depressed and/or mentally ill people “is a cure worse than the disease.” Here’s his take:
I believe it was impolitic of you to accuse Derek of proposing that, “…people be allowed to commit suicide…”. I’ll attribute it to the intensity of your feeling. Sadly, the world is not a perfect place. My heart goes out to any families with seriously depressed loved ones. They have my sympathies. That said . . .
giving the state the power, under force of law to deprive persons of their property without due process is a cure worse than the disease. This is true in part because, also sadly, the Government is not perfect either. Time and time again the government has abused power awarded it in a noble purpose . . .
So you would give an imperfect and untrustworthy State the power to inflict unwarranted upheaval in others lives in exchange for… in exchange for what exactly? The mere potential to save someone from themselves? There are cases where parents have asked the police for help with their troubled teens – only to have the police show up and immediately murder their loved one. You want more of this? .
Sadly, sometimes no solution seems ready to hand. We feel powerless. Nearly always, getting the State involved in providing the solution is much worse than doing nothing at all. The road to hell is indeed paved with good intentions.