Calls for tougher background screening after Arizona shooting

background screening that would further prevent drug abusers, the mentally ill, and other criminals from readily obtaining guns – according to the Epoch Times. Bloomberg represented over 500 mayors who are part of the Mayors Against Illegal Guns coalition and pointed fingers at the gaps in the background check system, which allowed both Loughner, who had a history of drug abuse and the Virginia Tech shooter, who had a history of mental illness to obtain guns. “This isn’t an ideological battle, it is about enforcing the law,” said Bloomberg. Bloomberg would like to see the ATF (Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives) strengthen its background check system, which currently prevents individuals with drug records from purchasing guns for one year. Bloomberg suggests it should be five. There can be little argument against such a proposal, as we continue to hear about the shootings daily. “None of us are opposed to the Second Amendment, the right to bear arms, but there are certain places and certain people, which federal law already says you can’t have a gun, and what we’re talking about is just enforcing the federal laws that are on the books,” Bloomberg continued. While gun possession is an issue that continues to divide the country, at the least we should be taking steps to ensure that a gun does not fall into the wrong hands. Increasing background checks on those who apply for firearms is one step closer to this, and it will be interesting to see what comes of Bloomberg’s proposal.]]>