The obvious problem is defining what constitutes mental illness. Is ADHD constitute a mental illness that would nullify the right to bear arms? Does a second opinion from a doctor nullify an existing diagnosis? Who makes the call on conflicting diagnoses? If woman gets treated for postpartum depression is she forever forbidden to purchase fire arms? Do people who own fire arms have to turn them in when diagnosed with severe depression? Finally, does the risk of possibly losing the right to bear arms because of a diagnosis of sever depression effectively indent encourage someone to avoid getting help?
Republicans don't control the U.S. Senate and they don't have the presidency. Instead of wasting time and energy in doomed efforts to defeat President Obama's Cabinet nominees or sucking up to illegal aliens, why not focus on issues where Republicans can be off-the-charts popular while forcing Democrats into taking stupid positions?
After the slaughters at Virginia Tech, Aurora, Colo., Tucson, Ariz., and Newtown, Conn., every sentient person knows we need to do something about institutionalizing the mentally ill and -- at the very least -- keeping guns out of their hands.
That happens to be impossible right now....
What exactly WOULD be the criterion for classing a condition as "mental illness" that disqualifies one from having firearms? A listing in the Diagnostic & Statistical Manual? I think the DSM lists quite a few conditions that aren't considered debilitating illnesses, but treatable inconveniences. It wasn't compiled with this consideration in mind. It's really sort of a treaty between med pros, insurers, drug cos to define treatable conditions.