On Fri, 27 Jun 1997, Tim May wrote:
This national data base would undoubtedly be cross-indexed by SS numbers, aliases, etc.
Partial data bases like this already exist, of course, a la the NCIC. This would take us further in the direction of a national dossier system.
And the "while you wait" system, which would lead to, "Sorry, sir, your application to purchase a handgun has been declined" sorts of events, also means that vastly more people will be making queries of this system.
I expect it will be extended further on down the line. "Hold on a for a few minutes. We seem to be having some problem with your records check." Meanwhile, the local/state/federal/illuminati are on their way to apprehend the miscreant.
My solution is simple: no checks whatsoever.
I agree. Guns should be paid for in cash.
If someone commits a crime, lock him or her up or shoot them, or whatever. But once the penalty is over, all normal rights return. The right to vote, the right to free speech, the right to own weapons, etc.
(Somehow most people think it's OK that convicted felons lose their rights to vote and to have guns. (Once they're released, of course.) Do they think convicted felons no longer have religious freedom? Can no longer write as they wish? Jeesh.)
I find it interesting that they find the right to vote as dangerous as the right to own a gun. "If owning a gun could change the system, it would be outlawed." alano@teleport.com | "Those who are without history are doomed to retype it."