Every Time there's a tragedy -- then what?

Every Time There's a Tragedy . . .  then what?
by jon gutmacher

I was asked by the press today if I would like to go on air and answer some questions about the proposed legislation in the aftermath of the Orlando tragedy.  After a few seconds of thought I declined -- because it would take hours of thought to really come up with some valid answers.  But, here are a few "thoughts" which I will modify or expand upon as days go by on what I am thinking:

1.  Maybe anyone who is not an actual "citizen" should not be allowed to own or possess firearms, except they may rent firearms and ammo for use "on the premises" of such range or facility.  That way, tourists can still have fun,  ranges can still make money, and private acreage that allows hunting can still do their thing.  I know we have "green card" residents -- but maybe they should become citizens first?

2.   The FBI and Homeland Security should be able to monitor social media to their heart's content, so long as anything they find is kept strictly confidential within these agencies and law enforcement, unless used in a court of law in a criminal case or deportation after being unsealed by the court upon a showing by the government of need and good cause.

3.  I also have no problem with criminal history checks on private sales BUT ONLY if  the FBI creates an adequately funded private call in system where a private person can call -- where that person has no obligation to keep records -- where there is no cost to the person calling -- and where the FBI (NICS) either OK's the sale based on current records -- or denies it -- and only the government keeps records.  Otherwise, it's a joke and a trap for the unwary -- especially as there is no current means for a private individual to sell a gun and obtain a records check unless he does so thru a gun dealer who take the gun into inventory, and then handles it as a sale by the dealer.

4.  I have no problem with a "terrorist watch list" as long as it is strictly confidential within law enforcement, and used only to track possible terrorist threats.  It should not be used for ordinary criminal enterprise unless directly connected to terrorism or its monitary support.  Whether we need it expanded to deny firearm purchases or more -- that requires hours of thought, study, and discussion.

5.  There are some serious questions about mental health and guns.  What the discussion and answers should be -- again -- require hours of thought, study, and discussion.

6.   Secret Lists:   Any "no fly" ;   "no guns" ;   no "whatever" lists -- should be kept strictly confidential from the public.  However,  if they actually effect the rights of an individual -- the government should be required to put that individual on notice they are on the list, and that individual should have a continuing availability to challenge their being on that list in a fast, and simple administrative procedure where the burden of proof is on the government.  What the standard of proof should be -- I'm not sure.  But, anytime you need to prove you are innocent -- especially when the charges are mostly speculation and innuendo -- you're gonna lose.  The burden -- should always be on the government.  If they don't have the proof -- then let them monitor you, but not affect your actual rights and actions.

So . . .   that's it for now for me.   Probably some stuff you'll agree with.  Some you won't.  Some you're not sure of.  All of -- which need more work and thought.