The MADD Model Protecting Our 2nd Amendment Rights

Gold Beach, OR –-(Ammoland.com)- I listened to a liberal Congressman state that to push for stricter gun control they need a grassroots push like MADD, Mothers Against Drunk Drivers.

The more I thought about it, the more I became to believe the MADD model was a perfect model FOR Second Amendment Rights as they are currently written.

What did MADD do to reduce drunk driving?
There was a push to ensure clerks checked the identification of liquor purchasers. They didn’t outlaw liquor nor did they try to limit how much or what kind of liquor people could purchase. Cars were not outlawed nor were they limited on the amount of horsepower of an engine. They pushed for stricter punishments and mandatory punishment for drunk drivers. Law enforcement keeps track of those convicted of drunk driving and the punishment escalates as the law breakers continue their drinking and driving. The other push by MADD was to encourage the public to call 9-1-1 and report suspected drunk drivers.

The bottom line is that they got stricter laws, punishments, and the “see something, say something.”

This is the ideal model for gun violence control. We don’t need to limit the number or types of guns and ammunition law-abiding citizens can purchase. Stricter, mandatory punishment for violations is essential. A felon in possession of a gun cannot be plead down to a misdemeanor and given probation. District Attorneys and Judges cannot have discretion on filing or punishments.

I personally have seen felons picked up for possession of a firearm, let out of jail within 10 days and given probation. Within a month, they were picked up for the same offense and given a probation sanction of up to 30 days. This is an unacceptable situation.

Fixing the background check systems has to be accomplished. If the background information is up-to-date and includes mental health issues, we would keep many guns out of the hands of those most likely to illegally use a gun. Background checks should include gun shows. Even California, with its tough gun laws, admits that they are 40,000 people behind in disarming people who they know have guns and have been adjudicated with felonies or mental health issues.

Finally, the public must be encouraged to speak up and report persons known to be antisocial or mentally ill. Mental health and law enforcement would be required to follow through like they do for reports of drunk drivers. In the vast majority of the mass murders recently, had anyone who knew the person was “odd”, antisocial, or mentally ill reported it and mental health or law enforcement had done a follow-up immediately, perhaps we would have averted the tragedies.