Actually, we have medical privacy laws. The government is not allowed to know if we are ill, let alone terminally ill. One of the hazards of socialized medicine.
My prayers and sympathy to your wife and you. I can't offer any advice about the police deciding to take her firearms but only my opinion that it stinks. I'm a lung cancer patient and I've given a lot of thought to what to do with my firearm collection and other man toys I've collected but so far I don't think I have to worry about the government making the decision for me. I do worry about my family selling my collection for less than it is worth which I see happen often when someone passes without a strict and distinctive set of instruction left in the will. Hopefully I have that covered. I will pray for you and your wife. May the lord bless!
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Actually, we have medical privacy laws. The government is not allowed to know if we are ill, let alone terminally ill. One of the hazards of socialized medicine.
While it is true that the 2nd Amendment to the Constitution of the United States of America doesn't specifically mention health issues, Federal law and the laws of most States (46 plus the District of Columbia) DO address the issuance of permits/licenses for concealed carry, purchase and/or possession of firearms to/by individuals diagnosed with mental illness!!! Actual confiscation of firearms from these individuals wasn't mentioned in any of the laws that I scanned but I have read in news reports that law enforcement officers have, in fact, collected firearms from many of these individuals. Right or wrong IT IS being done! While no specific document attesting to one's mental health is required, the background check forms that I have been filling out do contain a YES or NO question RE: the applicant's mental health. Answering YES to the question about mental health (i.e. being diagnosed with a mental health condition) at the very least slows or halts the approval process and is likely to result in being disapproved for issuance of a CC permit, license to purchase or possess a firearm. Lying on these forms is a felony! So yes, there is an allowance for the forfeiture of the "right to bear arms"!
RE: "inalienable rights" there is absolutely no mention of ANY part of the Constitution of the United States of America or any of its Amendments being granted by "our Creator"! Those that don't believe it should read it. Fact of the matter is EVERY Citizen should read AND understand the specifics of the Constitution of the U.S. of A. It's both your duty and obligation as a Citizen of our country.
Back to the OP's concern RE: the practice in the UK of surrendering firearms when there is a case of terminal illness, I do see where it just might have some validity. Not saying that it is right, just that I see where the thought process comes from.
Flex
Last edited by Flex; 03-21-2019 at 08:59 PM.
"A man has got to know his limitations." HC
Sorry about your wife, lost mine last year and it really changes your lie. Will keep yours in my prayers.
Sorry, Fred, but the CDC collects all kinds of information from everywhere in the U.S. Reporting is REQUIRED for whatever they determine could be a public health threat. Why do you think your doctor asks you (do they still do that) if you have a gun in the home? Who decides what is REQUIRED? Why, it's government bureaucrats. No election, no deliberation, just bureaucrats deciding they want your medical information.
Once, a couple hundred years ago (when Rickenbacher39 was a wee lad), the British government tried to take our guns.
We shot them.
Chris, hope both you and your wife are doing well these days.
"There are only two places where socialism will work... In Heaven where it is not needed, and in hell where they already have it."
~ Winston Churchill ~
To answer your question, no I've never heard of gun confiscation here because of illness. I'm really too overwhelmed by your situation to even discuss the implications of such a confiscation. You certainly have my sympathy and my prayers. Miracles can and do happen, I've prayed for that, for strength for both of you and for mercy. God bless you and keep you both.
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"Those who beat their swords into plowshares usually end up plowing for those who didn't." -- Ben Franklin
“Better to fight for something than live for nothing."-- George S. Patton
“During times of universal deceit, telling the truth becomes a revolutionary act” – George Orwell
Hi Chris.. I think we 'know' each other from UK forums, maybe Shootforum or Airgun BBS..? (Tommo) I was a member at Fulwood for years until we moved back to the Isle of Man 18 months ago.. I can't begin to imagine what you're going through right now but I also can't understand M'side Firearms reaction to your wife's illness..!!
Four years ago I was diagnosed with leukaemia, after four courses of chemo and six months as an in-patient in Aintree hospital, I was cleared in full remission. When I got the diagnosis, and found out what they had in store for me treatment wise, I contacted M'side Firearms and spoke to Janet (Manager). I told her what my treatment would entail and that all my guns were in safe storage at home. I asked if she wanted me to lodge them with an RFD but was told that was not necessary. I made a point of telling Janet I would keep her informed of my treatment and, at the time what the prognosis would be. That was it. I never heard anything more from them, nobody called or wrote to me, nothing.
Now this bit isn't easy and I've been told about this straight from a former FEO's mouth. There have been incidences in the past where a FAC holder has, because of the nature of the illness and the pain that goes with it, taken their own life as an escape, and done so with a firearm they legally held. This fact, I guess, is probably foremost in their minds, although I certainly don't agree with it, and I think the 'method' of revoking your wife's FAC, or anyone else in a similar situation, is quite Draconian.
I doubt that my words and thoughts give you any comfort at this time, and my heart goes out to you both, but I would say to you don't give up on your shooting. Your wife would want you to carry on.
Thoughts and prayers from the Isle of Man.
Happiness is like peeing your pants. Everyone can see it, but only you can feel the warmth.
Yes, HIPPA.