Bet you didn’t realize that firearm sales were so dangerous to the country that the American Medical Association (AMA) has decided to weigh in on the debate!
It’s a sad day when an organization that is supposed to be focused on the “art and science of medicine” according to their bylaws and basic principles has decided that their scope expands as far as limiting the Second Amendment. Now, suddenly, the leadership of the AMA has taken it upon themselves to issue an edict that firearm sales are a public health emergency. There are definitely public health emergencies happening in the U.S. right now, such as the recent outbreaks of measles, but gun ownership certainly doesn’t belong in that category.
Focus on Medical Health, Please
The AMA has a long history of advocacy in the public realm, but they are generally focused around public health and improving the way physicians practice medicine. Some of their recent “wins” include the introduction of the convoluted legislature that focused on how physicians are paid, and ensuring that they receive the full benefit of their patient bonus. In all, the majority of the AMA’s regulatory requests centered around physicians and money — not necessarily around public health.
It’s not surprising to see that they are continuing to overstretch with this recent foray into gun control, and limiting the rights of Americans to keep and bear arms. Although, it shouldn’t be surprising that any organization that boasts its own Litigation Center is looking for ways to stir up bad feelings.
Promoting Waiting Periods and Background Checks
The AMA’s response to a recent brief by the Wisconsin State Supreme Court declares that it’s a public health issue that people are not required to wait before they make a weapons purchase. They further reiterate that any individuals that are considered “high risk” should be barred from purchasing or owning a weapon. Period.
There are also requests that gun buyers submit to invasive background checks while also attempting to paint online gun retailers are murderers who “illegally” sold weapons to individuals, according to Wisconsin Medical CEO Clyde “Bud” Chumbley, MD. The organization is attempting to hold accountable Armslist, stating that the website facilitated the sale of a weapon that was used in a fatal shooting.
It’s unsurprising that the oral arguments in the case against Armslist were held on the one-year anniversary of Florida’s Parkland High School shooting spree. While anti-gun contenders attempt to show that there is some correlation between law-abiding citizens who choose to buy guns and someone who goes on a deranged shooting spree against children and teachers, the logic simply doesn’t hold true.
The Armslist Dilemma
Individuals who post their weapons for sale on Armslist are not required to submit to a background check, nor require one of the buyers. There is no required waiting period, and sellers do not have to be licensed in order to make a sale.
The particular sale that brought on this court outing occurred in the parking lot of a neighborhood restaurant. It’s unclear whether or not a waiting period and background check would have prevented the individual from committing the multiple murders. The lawsuit was brought on behalf of one of the victims, stating that Armslist operated their website in such a way that caused injuries to the plaintiff.
The AMA President, Barbara McAneny, MD notes: “We (physicians) bear the emotional weight of treating the victims of gun violence every day: Their wounds, paralysis, colostomies, brain injuries, depression, chronic infections and post-traumatic stress. Common-sense measures to support enacted laws can help prevent more carnage.”
While the debate has been dismissed by the Wisconsin State Supreme Court, it’s unlikely that we have heard the end of this conversation. The American Medical Association seems determined to insert themselves into the national conversation around gun control.
~ Firearm Daily
