A Solution, Perhaps?

     To enroll in the military one is given a TAPAS test. "TAPAS", stands for Tailored Adaptive  Personality Assessment System. The TAPAS test is a 120 question non-cognitive exam which is used to predict performance, behavior, and attitudes of potential soldiers. A similar test is given to those enrolling in the police academy as well. Why is such a test given? Obviously, so that someone who is mentally unstable doesn't end up with a weapon that can kill. Clearly the military and police departments don't want someone mentally ill having a gun. Why then does the United States allow guns to be sold without such a test? Shouldn't the same TAPAS test or a similar test be given to each and every potential gun owner? 

  The Republicans have been blaming all mass shootings on mental illness, well do something! I've about had it with Republicans in Washington blaming mental illness and how this country needs to help the mentally ill. It's as if the Republicans have just invented the light bulb. Republicans sure didn't talk about mental illness when Donald Trump was in the White House, and they controlled both the House and the Senate. No, Republicans did nothing regarding mental illness, because they didn't care. They didn't care, and they still don't, but gee, it sure sounds good now as an argument for mass shootings being the main cause. Because, Republicans sure as heck don't want to blame mass shootings on the lack thereof red flag laws, and they don't want to place the blame on selling guns to those under 21, and they don't want to place the blame on the lack of extensive background checks, and it's not semi-automatic and automatic weapons . No, Republicans are choosing to place blame on mental illness as the leading cause for mass shootings today. 

   I agree. I agree with Republicans to a point. I do agree that a good portion of those committing mass shootings are most definitely mentally ill, but they could just be pure evil. Those who are filled with anger and hatred are not always mentally ill. That being said, where's the plan? Where and what is the plan to keep those who are mentally ill, and or unstable from purchasing a firearm? Presently, there are talks about raising the age to 21 for the purchase of an AR-15 or AK-47. Raising the age limit to purchase an AR-15 or AK-47 to 21 is not a solution to the problem of keeping guns out of the possession of the mentally ill. The Republicans continue to use "mental illness", as their talking point for gun control, yet they fail to come up with a plan as to prevent those who are mentally ill from purchasing ANY gun, let alone an AK-47 or AR-15.  

  Currently, under federal law, anyone who has been involuntarily committed to a mental institution or who is determined by a lawful authority as a danger to others as a result of mental illness is banned from owning a firearm. That's terrific, but it's a law which is obsolete. It is obsolete in that few people today are involuntarily committed. The federal law is also not followed by several states as the definition for mental illness varies from state to state . Colorado, Indiana, Kentucky, and New Hampshire rely on the federal umbrella law and they at present don't have a specific law banning those with mental illness from owning a firearm. That being said, it's no wonder this country has numerous mass shootings. 

  Does mental illness play a part in mass shootings ? Most definitely, but what are Republicans doing about it? What is their plan? Furthermore, how do we keep firearms out of the hands of those who have never been diagnosed with a mental illness? What about those who never seek help for fear of being diagnosed with a mental illness? What about the abusive boyfriend or husband who has a collection of guns but has never been reported for his abuse? What about the suicidal student who has never asked for help for fear of having to leave school? What about the woman on anti depressants who gets her meds from an OBGYN, under the pretense of PMS? What about every person currently on mood stabilizers, anti-depressants, and anti psychotics? What about them? Do we have any laws preventing anyone taking these medications from purchasing a firearm? No, and there in lies the problem.

   The solution is simple. The solution is reasonable and the solution will not prevent anyone who is mentally stable from owning a firearm. We need to raise the age limit. We need to conduct more thorough background checks. We need red flag laws, and every applicant for a firearm should be required to take a TAPAS test as to prove mental stability, and maturity. Lastly, we need to bring back the ban of 2021 banning all assault weapons. No responsible and mature gun owner should have any issue with these requirements. If these requirements are too much to ask of prospective gunners, I have to ask why? Why would anyone be opposed to more restrictive requirements for purchasing a firearm if it means making our nation's schools safer? Or our churches, shopping malls, night clubs, concerts, etc. safer ? It's not about you or I. It's about Americans . It's about making you, myself, our children, my neighbor, and your neighbors safer. It's about making America safe again. 

(c)Sean Bianca GOP GIRL BLOG 2022

#GUNREFORM #GUNCONTROLNOW #BANASSAULTWEAPONSNOW #UVALDEMASSACRE