My Headlines for February 16th - Part 2 – Facts in the face of the Parkland Shooting
Bottom Line: Today's headlines are a deviation from the important and hysterical headlines. I want to address two proposals being advanced by Gov. Rick Scott and Broward Sheriff Scott Israel.
In yesterday's presser Govenor Scott advanced the idea that action should be taken to restrict access for firearms for those with mental illness. He mentioned that he's reached out to the state legislature to being to process to act. What does that specifically entail? Remains to be scene but the details will obviously be critical to advancing this conversation in addition legislative action. This was attempted in New York State but came to a halt when those who'd been prescribed certain drugs suddenly have people coming to their door looking to take away legally owned guns. So, what's the answer? We'll wait, and we'll see.
Second, Broward Sheriff Scott Israel called for the expansion of the Baker Act in Florida. Currently a person must alert authorities with cause to have someone detained, beyond their will, for mental health evaluation. The sheriff would like law enforcement to be able to detain people for evaluation based on what they come across – including in social media and online activity. A good idea? I'm sure many have civil liberty concerns about that notion.
So, what's next? We watch & wait.