The seven myths are described in detail at the above link. I'll just list the myths.
Myth 1: They “snap.”
Myth 2: They can easily be divided into “psychopaths, psychotics, and depressives”
Myth 3: Incidents of mass murder are increasing
Myth 4: Banning assault weapons will lower the frequency of mass murder
Myth 5: Psychotic individuals cannot plan in a precise and methodical manner
Myth 6: It must be the drugs they are abusing
Myth 7: Mass murder can be predicted and prevented
AlanM
There are no dangerous weapons; there are only dangerous men. - RAH
Four boxes to be used in defense of liberty: soap, ballot, jury, ammo - use in that order.
If you aren't part of the solution, then you obviously weren't properly dissolved.
Overall, a pretty good article, with some good points.
But, when he discusses myth number 4, the last sentence concerns me. He says, " I believe that firearms ownership is a right that should have requirements: demonstrable competency in its use and mental stability. " Who decides that the competency level and levels of mental health have been met satisfactorily? For that matter, who decides the competency requirements and the mental health requirements? Also, the 2nd Amendment is part of a list of inherent rights. When you attach a requirement to a right, it then becomes a privilege. And a privilege is something that can be given and taken away on whim. The United States has a Bill of Rights, not a Bill of Privileges.
The author also raises a red flag (a small one, but there, nonetheless) when he discusses his last myth, the prediction and prevention of mass murder. He stated that the mass murderer will leak his intent to others. Perhaps. But, how many death threats does one hear on a daily basis? People make death threats all the time. Which is exactly why the average person doesn't take them seriously. If we were to "let law enforcement investigate" everyone who made a death threat, they'd have their hands full with time wasting investigations, that could potentially lead to the disarmament of perfectly harmless citizens. This would, in turn, lead to time and fund wasting court proceedings as the disarmed citizens attempt to get their arms back.
Other than that, though, this was a good article, especially coming from a California shrink.
"Send lawyers, guns, and money; the $#!t has hit the fan!" - Warren Zevon
