(April 16, 2008) "Obama: Keep guns away from the 'Mentally Deranged'"

[Phinal]

http://www.flishfun.com/blog/real-world/obama-keep-guns-away-from-the-mentally-deranged/

(Use this if the top one doesn't work: http://www.flishfun.com/blog/?p=389 )

As you know, there is a huge stigma that comes with being diagnosed with a mental disorder, and we feel that Obama apparently doesn’t see the issue. We see this usage of the term as a blanket phrase for "mental illness" in the way he is using it. If that's not what he meant, then where does "illness" end and "deranged begin? This is a horrible phrase to use to describe Mental Illness... and here we have someone running for President using them without a thought. My wife suffers with Bipolar and she is quite offended by his statement and wants to know what he was thinking.

Please pass this message and link on to everyone you know so that he is called to explain himself. No matter your stance on politics, I feel this is inexcusable.

The blog post contains a lot more information, as well as going into why this should be a big deal.

[JMS825]

that comment caught my ear as well and it kindda PO'ed me. Hillary said Mentally challenged but he went as far as calling them deranged

[CGP]

It was a disgraceful reference. Yet another major gaffe.

[Phinal]

that comment caught my ear as well and it kindda PO'ed me. Hillary said Mentally challenged but he went as far as calling them deranged
There's a huge difference between challenged (or even ill, for that matter) and "deranged." We feel it's just another thing that "Barack knows best" about, as he keeps saying it.

[Santiago]

Having been involved in the mental health field, there are dedicated advocates for persons with mental illness. Please forward to all in your area.

[KYWildcatFan]

Yeah I caught that one also. I was wondering why there was no big deal with that.

Mental health issues are not about being deranged. People who are diagnosed with metal illness do not need to be told they are deranged.

These people suffer daily just trying to get the right doctors, the right treatment and the right prescriptions to be able to lead a steady life. These people suffer everyday.

Him saying deranged really upset me. He had no right to say that. It said to me that he thought people who had mental illness were to be looked down upon. I was very offended.

I myself do not suffer from mental illness yet I have friends who have family members with metal illness and the illness not affects the person afflicted with mental illness but everyone involved in their lives.

[OkieforHRC2008]

Once again, Obama puts people into a box. Not all people who have mental illnesses (which range from depression, to Schizophrenia) are dangerous. I don't like his deranged comment, though I'd never personally want to own a gun. Depression is quite common, and is considered under this metal illness umbrella. There's enough of a stigma without Obama labeling anyone with a mental illness deranged.

~~OkieforHRC2008

[JMS825]

I just called Race to the Whitehouse to ask why they have not covered that he called the Mentally Challenged the "mentally deranged" as well as why they have not covered that his writing is on the questioneer calling for ban on hand guns also why they have not spoke of Ayers fundraiser at his house

[CGP]

His reference to people with mental illness as the "mentally deranged" was yet another example of his complete lack of knowledge and understanding about numerous social groups in society. Is there any group of people he hasn't yet offended?

[KYWildcatFan]

His reference to people with mental illness as the "mentally deranged" was yet another example of his complete lack of knowledge and understanding about numerous social groups in society. Is there any group of people he hasn't yet offended?

Hmmm I will have to think about that but off the top of my head I would have to say no.

[freethinker]

Every time he opens his mouth for an unscripted answer, he sounds more and more like our crazy little friend currently inhabiting the White House!

just off the top of my head:

"punished with babies"
"deranged"
"clinging to guns, religion, antipathy, etc"
"um, stuff that I don't know much about.."
"six shooter in a duck blind on a sunday"
"lobbyist lunches" (eat standing up!)
"address promiscuity" (Aids education)
"are you kiddin' me? we're gonna worry about gay marriage!?"
"never said it, never heard it, if I heard it, didn't understand it, if i understood it, woulda denounced it, maybe heard it but he's retired"

:cool:

[Annie]

His reference to people with mental illness as the "mentally deranged" was yet another example of his complete lack of knowledge and understanding about numerous social groups in society. Is there any group of people he hasn't yet offended?

Yes the ones who are voting for him. But wait..... his supporters do appear to be somewhat deranged at times. Thinking of one whose leg tingles a lot..... some kind of deranged disease? :eek:

[JJ4Hillary]

Digg it.:)

[Artists4Hillary]

So he's equating everyone suffering from mood disorders to let's say, mild retardation ( as described in the DMS1V) to psychopaths and sociopaths. Anyway, the term "mentally challenged" which does refer to those who are disabled and handicapped, mentally, is still seen by some as condecending, but is a correct term.

I was disgusted when he said that.

[Phinal]

Digg it.:)

http://digg.com/2008_us_elections/Obama_refers_to_the_Mentally_Ill_as_Mentally_Deran ged/

It has 6 people so far! Let's dig this baby!! :D

EDIT - I also took a note from this thread: http://www.hillaryclintonforum.net/discussion/showthread.php?t=6980 And wrote my own e-mail that I fired to everyone on that list:

-----------

To Whom it May Concern,

During the debates in Pennsylvania last night, Barack Obama made a reference to keeping guns out of "mentally deranged" people's hands. This isn't the first time he has used this phrase, and multiple people have suggested I bring this to the attention of some of the news sources out there. As you may know, Mr. Obama answered a questionnaire from NAMI in which he shows support for the mentally challenged and ill, so by calling them "deranged" he has caused a bit of outrage on blogs. NAMI has always stood out against the use of the term, "deranged" and the public is wanting to know what Barack means when he says it. Who are these "deranged" individuals we must keep guns from? Surely it can't be a blanket term for everyone suffering from a mental disorder, can it? And if becoming deranged is a state of mind that could happen to anyone, he's advocating that no one should have a gun. We demand clarity for this answer and wish an apology on behalf of the millions that are affected with some type of mental illness.

There is a link to the video, the transcript, and other references I mentioned above can be found on the website below:

http://www.flishfun.com/blog/?p=389

Thank you for your time and for looking into this on behalf of the American Public.

-----------

Dunno if it'll go anywhere, but it's worth a shot, right?

[Tea toaD]

He got flustered with all the questioning and as usual, he messed up:eek: He has no business running for POTUS. Mentally deranged reminds me of a horror movie:confused:

[Santiago]

Dugg!

[Annie]

He got flustered with all the questioning and as usual, he messed up:eek: He has no business running for POTUS. Mentally deranged reminds me of a horror movie:confused:

Still wondering where Ted Kennedy is these days. His elder sister Rosemary had some difficulties - a very sad story.

Rosemary Kennedy, a sister of John F. Kennedy who was born mentally retarded and lived most of her life in a Wisconsin institution after undergoing a lobotomy, died Friday, her family said. She was 86

Link:
http://www.jsonline.com/story/index.aspx?id=291212

[underpaidnurse]

I was hoping others heard it in the same way I did. As an older sister of someone that has a mental diagnosis, I was appalled. My brother is not deranged, he is sick and takes medication. Shame on you Obama, this is not the middle ages.

[Phinal]

I was hoping others heard it in the same way I did. As an older sister of someone that has a mental diagnosis, I was appalled. My brother is not deranged, he is sick and takes medication. Shame on you Obama, this is not the middle ages.
Honestly, at first I thought we were the only ones that caught it. Amazingly there are a few forums online that agree with what we're all saying in here, yet some actually don't see a problem. Very sad, like you said, it's not the middle ages!

[underpaidnurse]

unfortunately, there are some people out there that look down there noses at a whole host of issues until they are personally affected by them, and then they see the light. Mr. Kennedy needs to speak up, and so does everyone with a voice and a relationship with someone that has a diagnosis. People would be amazed to find how many people they deal with do. People are just not vocal about it, because of just the type of statement Barak made.

[Phinal]

Mr. Kennedy needs to speak up, and so does everyone with a voice and a relationship with someone that has a diagnosis.
Still wondering where Ted Kennedy is these days. His elder sister Rosemary had some difficulties - a very sad story.
You both have a great point... won't Ted and the others have to denounce him, somewhat for making these comments? Boy I'd like to see that!

Keep on Digging and spreading this! Who knows, it may hit the news, and you never know what will finally be the straw to break Obama's back! :D If anyone can contact a news agency, feel free! :)

[Sandy in PA]

The Kennedys are Obama endorsers and are always out campaigning for him.

They will not denounce him.

I caught that comment, too, and was quite frankly, horrified. But, that's what Obama does - he plays on people's fears by saying things like that, especially on the anniversary of the VA Tech massacre. The less ingenuous person will hear that as "He's going to keep the guns away from those crazies who shoot up the college campuses", instead of hearing what a more sympathetic, intelligent person hears, and reacts with "hey, that was a totally inappropriate remark and you can't lump all people with mental illnesses in with the very few that do shoot up college campuses."

He does the same thing with economic issues, with race issues, etc. I don't always think his comments are true gaffes. I think they are meant to hit a certain target audience.

[Wales for Hillary]

His reference to people with mental illness as the "mentally deranged" was yet another example of his complete lack of knowledge and understanding about numerous social groups in society. Is there any group of people he hasn't yet offended?

San Francisco elitists who are not white, own guns, not jewish, and have no mental illness. Somehow according to polls these people make up 48% of the population. He hasn't attacked the deaf yet, so maybe thats where his numbers are coming from.

[Phinal]

San Francisco elitists who are not white, own guns, not jewish, and have no mental illness. Somehow according to polls these people make up 48% of the population. He hasn't attacked the deaf yet, so maybe thats where his numbers are coming from.
The deaf, you say? Well, we must continue to write, then! ;)

@Sandy - It's amazing how true that is, yet he keeps saying he's a "change" in politics. I've yet to see it... just politics as usual.

[SunnyInCal]

It was a disgraceful reference. Yet another major gaffe.

This is just it. I heard that and I thought, that wasn't what Hillary said but he was trying to copy hillary just as he always copied her before, but he missed it. He got caught off guard.

On OBAMA NBC they have an Obama excuser who is claiming that Hillary supporters are also calling the debate negative because of the type of questions asked.. yeah right

[Phinal]

This is just it. I heard that and I thought, that wasn't what Hillary said but he was trying to copy hillary just as he always copied her before, but he missed it. He got caught off guard.

On OBAMA NBC they have an Obama excuser who is claiming that Hillary supporters are also calling the debate negative because of the type of questions asked.. yeah right
I've yet to see one Hillary supporter online show any amount of negativity regarding the debate. All smiles!

[Phinal]

Dugg!
Thank you! We're now at 16! :) Also, at least one of the blogs I sent the e-mail to posted about it ( http://hillbuzz.blogspot.com/ ), I hope more pick it up! We need more people to see what Obama really thinks (more than they already do)!

[foreigner4hillary]

Every time he opens his mouth for an unscripted answer, he sounds more and more like our crazy little friend currently inhabiting the White House!

just off the top of my head:

"punished with babies"
"deranged"
"clinging to guns, religion, antipathy, etc"
"um, stuff that I don't know much about.."
"six shooter in a duck blind on a sunday"
"lobbyist lunches" (eat standing up!)
"address promiscuity" (Aids education)
"are you kiddin' me? we're gonna worry about gay marriage!?"
"never said it, never heard it, if I heard it, didn't understand it, if i understood it, woulda denounced it, maybe heard it but he's retired"

:cool:


Those I put in bold are just...downright mean. Seriously...America isn't downright mean. It's Obama.

I don't get how NOBODY plays up on those opinions of his. Oh right...let's stick to issues. Well I think these ARE issues!

[Phinal]

Those I put in bold are just...downright mean. Seriously...America isn't downright mean. It's Obama.

I don't get how NOBODY plays up on those opinions of his. Oh right...let's stick to issues. Well I think these ARE issues!
Amen to that! He is so "dreamy" when he has a written speech in his hand, but left to talk without one he stutters and tells us what he really feels. What will happen if he's meeting with another Head of State and blurts out how he really feels about their country? There's no "whoops" at that time...

[pearson]

I agree that the "mentally deranged" comment was striking. We need to circulate -maybe emails to Greta on Fox? Lou Dobbs on CNN? Or maybe to some national organizations that deal with mental illness?

[Phinal]

I agree that the "mentally deranged" comment was striking. We need to circulate -maybe emails to Greta on Fox? Lou Dobbs on CNN? Or maybe to some national organizations that deal with mental illness?
We do! Look... TalkLeft has picked it up:

http://www.talkleft.com/story/2008/4/17/183139/646

Totally rad!

[Frances]

After the debate I started blogging this issue of "deranged".
We have a health crisis in this country, many medicaid funds have been cut back, and many backcountry hospitals are having to close, we have many
disabled people on the streets, and families who struggle with cost
of medications and lack of specialized doctors, and insurance companies
refusing to approve needed health care, and thousands and thousands of our soldiers are coming home.

Please continue to get the important messages out regarding people
with disabilities.

[Phinal]

Please continue to get the important messages out regarding people with disabilities.
Thank you, Frances! We're doing our best. Anyone out there who wants to send this to top blogs or news sites, it'd be great! Not only is this a good topic, it's another way Hillary can call Barack out for something.

Perhaps, eventually, enough of these will add up and people will see the man for what he is...

[Patsy]

I think he was referring to his 13 million supporters:)

[hillary4change]

Go digg this and comment, then digg the other comments as well. If you like the comment thumbs up if not thumbs down and bury it!! Thanks this is important!!!

[Phinal]

Go digg this and comment, then digg the other comments as well. If you like the comment thumbs up if not thumbs down and bury it!! Thanks this is important!!!
I agree!! Here, again, is the Digg:

http://digg.com/2008_us_elections/Obama_refers_to_the_Mentally_Ill_as_Mentally_Deran ged/

I wanna see it groooow!! :D:D

[Frances]

Today, 17 Apr, Reuters, David Moyan states a released study today by the Rand Corp, shows 300,000 US troops suffering from mental disabilities
and half have received no care. Another, 320,000 troops have brain injuries,
and special needs.

So Obama would be calling 600,000 troops "mentally deranged".

[skc1976]

This is one of the comments that I noticed right off the bat when he made it, along with the part about apparently wanting to call out Clinton on a scandal but thought better of it and changed his word.

I personally do not think of the word "deranged" as a good term to use with people that are challenged mentally. I think of it as a word with a negative meaning and sound. It's not a word that should be used because it puts a poor image into the mind of the one hearing it.

This was in very poor taste and tends to back up those calling him an "elitist." He's definitely out of touch with those that have mental illnesses or challenges. SHAME ON YOU OBAMA!

[Phinal]

Today, 17 Apr, Reuters, David Moyan states a released study today by the Rand Corp, shows 300,000 US troops suffering from mental disabilities
and half have received no care. Another, 320,000 troops have brain injuries,
and special needs.

So Obama would be calling 600,000 troops "mentally deranged".
My sister-in-law's husband, who is still in Iraq has been diagnosed with PTSD and upon hearing this, she says she will never vote for Obama, she'd vote McCain over him because of it. That's how upset she was.

[Annie]

I agree!! Here, again, is the Digg:

http://digg.com/2008_us_elections/Obama_refers_to_the_Mentally_Ill_as_Mentally_Deran ged/

I wanna see it groooow!! :D:D

Joined so I could dig you....:D

[Phinal]

Joined so I could dig you....:D
If you were username "Fannie" on there, you made a comment, but to "Digg" it, you have to click the little digg thing on the left under where it says "18 Diggs". Click "Digg it". :D

[Annie]

I agree!! Here, again, is the Digg:

http://digg.com/2008_us_elections/Obama_refers_to_the_Mentally_Ill_as_Mentally_Deran ged/

I wanna see it groooow!! :D:D

Joined and dug all four comments and left one of my own:
I was shocked and surprised the moderator didn't pick up Barack Obama's 'deranged' comment at the time. I suppose there will be another speech stating we just didn't get what he was really saying. But it is just not good enough for somebody not just in the Senate but trying for the highest position in the land. Sorry I am very disappointed.

Please digg it for me and us....:D
http://digg.com/2008_us_elections/Obama_refers_to_the_Mentally_Ill_as_Mentally_Deran ged/

[JMS825]

Where is Jessie Jackson and Al Sharpton at? I thought they suppose to fight for the disenfranchised. Oh wait that is as long as your white attacking blacks and your not the person that Jackson and Sharpton are supporting.

[Phinal]

Where is Jessie Jackson and Al Sharpton at? I thought they suppose to fight for the disenfranchised. Oh wait that is as long as your white attacking blacks and your not the person that Jackson and Sharpton are supporting.
It's really sad, isn't it? I really truly hope a news agency picks this up.

[leahchamblee]

It's a complex issue and only Obama can know because he has been institutionalized many times and understands what it is so he can....nevah mind.
http://www.flishfun.com/blog/real-world/obama-keep-guns-away-from-the-mentally-deranged/

(Use this if the top one doesn't work: http://www.flishfun.com/blog/?p=389 )

As you know, there is a huge stigma that comes with being diagnosed with a mental disorder, and we feel that Obama apparently doesn’t see the issue. We see this usage of the term as a blanket phrase for "mental illness" in the way he is using it. If that's not what he meant, then where does "illness" end and "deranged begin? This is a horrible phrase to use to describe Mental Illness... and here we have someone running for President using them without a thought. My wife suffers with Bipolar and she is quite offended by his statement and wants to know what he was thinking.

Please pass this message and link on to everyone you know so that he is called to explain himself. No matter your stance on politics, I feel this is inexcusable.

The blog post contains a lot more information, as well as going into why this should be a big deal.

[NewHamster]

OK, I might get tomatoes, but to be fair and balanced I'm going to defend BO here. I thought he used the word "deranged" so as not to offend your average mentally ill person (I'm not sure the % of people who've had some sort of pyschiatric diagnosis but it is very high!) Most people, even with a psychiatric diagnosis, are not deranged, and my impression was he wanted to separate out the really dangerous psychotic person from most regular people with a diagnosed mental illness.

Deranged is kind of a layperson's word that conjures up in my mind a really dangerous scary crazy person, the kind you wouldn't want having a gun. I think that's what he meant.

I'm a psychiatric nurse. I was ok with it.

[Frances]

NewHamster, I understand what your are saying, and I understand the context in which Obama used the term, particulary since it was the 1st
anniversary of Va. Tech. and the question asked regarding "guns" on the campus, in the cities, and in the states, and the 2nd amendment.

In the many reports you must prepare on the job as psychiatric nurse
do you use the term "deranged", do your doctors use that term?
I am interested to know, do your work in private care or public hospital?
I aked this question, because so many mentally disabled cannot afford
care.

When Obama uses the term deranged, other people will do so too. I
recently got in a heated argument with a family member who called
the homeless, well worst than deranged. What I am trying to point
to is that Obama says it's all about change, and I am pointing out
that if you want a new understanding, changing your conscious
and being involved in that change, & rather than use the
prevailing and unhealty terms, it would be more helpful saying
people/person with mental disability.

Obama seems to always be awarded for his choice of words,
his eloquence in speeches, but last night conveyed to me his
lack of awareness in regards to the term "deranged".

About those fried green tomatoes, where and when?

[Phinal]

When Obama uses the term deranged, other people will do so too. I recently got in a heated argument with a family member who called the homeless, well worst than deranged. What I am trying to point to is that Obama says it's all about change, and I am pointing out that if you want a new understanding, changing your conscious and being involved in that change, & rather than use the prevailing and unhealty terms, it would be more helpful saying people/person with mental disability.

Obama seems to always be awarded for his choice of words, his eloquence in speeches, but last night conveyed to me his lack of awareness in regards to the term "deranged".
That is a perfect sum up of some of the issue with his statements. It's not befitting someone preaching understanding and hope and such. It's now been one day since it's been posted, and it's already been picked up by TalkLeft. I'd suggest we keep digging and sending e-mails to all the news stations we can to see if this can hit the news prior to the Tuesday elections!

[Annie]

If you were username "Fannie" on there, you made a comment, but to "Digg" it, you have to click the little digg thing on the left under where it says "18 Diggs". Click "Digg it". :D

Hi no I used a nom de plume.... Hya999 thatsa me....

Cheers and all that jazz...:D and I digged away ...

[foreigner4hillary]

I think he was referring to his 13 million supporters:)

lol kitty...ahahahah that got a chuckle out of me!


Oh and I just dugg it too! More of us should sign up to digg! We've got 1000+ members..that's alot of diggs!

[Phinal]

Oh and I just dugg it too! More of us should sign up to digg! We've got 1000+ members..that's alot of diggs!
I agree! Obama has over 10,000 members digging for him! We need to play catch-up!

EDIT - Hi there, page 2! The digg link is:

http://digg.com/2008_us_elections/Obama_refers_to_the_Mentally_Ill_as_Mentally_Deran ged/

We're up to 23 now!! :)

EDIT - Whoops! Had posted the wrong link! That's better!

[Lodi]

that comment caught my ear as well and it kindda PO'ed me. Hillary said Mentally challenged but he went as far as calling them deranged


Sole caretaker-guardian of a developmentally disabled brother weighing in here! BO's phrase caught my ear as well, and yes, I also noticed how Hillary used the right terminology.

Why is this important? some may ask. Because it shows Hillary is IN TOUCH with what's happening in the mental health field and Barack the elitist is not.
And although I understand what NewHamster is saying, I personally think it was an opportunity for BO to show he's aware of the problems and issues. I think he'd have done better to qualify the remark.

I don't know how others with DD family members feel, but I personally try to picture how each candidate might handle being around people like my brother, who has Down syndrome. I might be wrong (even though my instincts in such matters have been honed during the 42 years my brother's been on the planet), but I picture BO being uncomfortable and a little standoffish in the presence of mentally retarded people.

On the other hand, before I even witnessed her smiling warmly and compassionately at my brother, then me (at an eastside civic center in Las Vegas in Oct.), I knew that there wasn't any disability that would be offputting to Hillary.

Again, I could be wrong about BO, and I know I'm veering a little off topic, but this could be just another example of how Barack is out of touch. And for as much as Dubya has ruined the country, I'd bet my last dollar that he'd hug my brother and get genuinely misty eyed.

[Frances]

I have a niece with ds, and I have seen much joy, many needs, and much
stress that comes with the job of caregiver.

I really dislike the term retardation for any group of disabled people.
In the report by the Rand Corp (by Pauline Jelinek AP) 1 in 5 troops report
mental problems after war, and the top 5 barriers to seeking mental health
care:
45% said medication has too many side effects; 44% say it could harm
career; 44% said could be denied security clearance, and 39% has family
and friends would be more helpful, and 38% co-workers would have less
confidence in them if they found out.

If we are to break through how terms define the disabled, we do need to
be more aware of those terms, and alter the negatives to improve lives for everyone, disabled, families, and communties.

[JMS825]

Personally I like Carlos Mencia's definition of Retarded. Basically anyone who suffers severe Brain Farts. Sounds like Obama could be terminally Retarded.

[Phinal]

"Deranged"???

Gosh, Barack, maybe we should keep "retards" from getting them, too. :mad:
You see! This is the outrage we need to make people aware of who are going to the polls in the coming weeks!!!

[Frances]

Bless you Mike, you are the person I'd give a big hug too, because
you are the one who cares for your brother, 24/7. My wish is to see
Hillary as the President, and have those people with disabilities go and
meet up with her, and do photo sessions, and also with the returning soldiers,
if she establishes a Poverty Czar I hope someone represents the disabled
who are overwhelming poor.

[NewHamster]

NewHamster, I understand what your are saying, and I understand the context in which Obama used the term, particulary since it was the 1st
anniversary of Va. Tech. and the question asked regarding "guns" on the campus, in the cities, and in the states, and the 2nd amendment.

In the many reports you must prepare on the job as psychiatric nurse
do you use the term "deranged", do your doctors use that term?
I am interested to know, do your work in private care or public hospital?
I aked this question, because so many mentally disabled cannot afford
care.

When Obama uses the term deranged, other people will do so too. I
recently got in a heated argument with a family member who called
the homeless, well worst than deranged. What I am trying to point
to is that Obama says it's all about change, and I am pointing out
that if you want a new understanding, changing your conscious
and being involved in that change, & rather than use the
prevailing and unhealty terms, it would be more helpful saying
people/person with mental disability.

Obama seems to always be awarded for his choice of words,
his eloquence in speeches, but last night conveyed to me his
lack of awareness in regards to the term "deranged".

About those fried green tomatoes, where and when?


No, I and the doctors don't use the term deranged at work because it is not a medical term. And yes, believe me, I know that many mentally ill people cannot afford care!

I would be more offended if anyone tried to say that mentally ill people should not be allowed to have guns. I mean, sheesh, talk about stigma!! Can you imagine if someone went to buy a gun, and the backround check picked up that the person had been treated for some mental illness in the past, perhaps one that they have not even disclosed to those close to them, and they are denied the gun?? This is a privacy-rights nightmare! To me the term deranged is a legitimate abbeit lay term that one uses when trying to describe a violently psychotic person. I think most would agree that that person would be safer to him or herself without a gun.

But even people that are that sick exist, how do you do a background check on such a thing without invading privacy? I don't think that everyone who buys a gun should have to disclose a past or even present mental illness, but how will you find the dangerous ("deranged") person if this question is not asked? Therefore, it is a slippery slope to me.

But bottom line, "deranged" in my mind has NOTHING to do with delelopmental disabilities or people with common mental illnesses. The term really refers to the criminally insane. I'm hoping that he was trying to differentiate that, and NOT imply that anyone with a mental illness couldn't be trusted with a gun. Maybe I'm giving him too much the benefit of the doubt but that was how I heard it. And believe me, I am NOT in any way shape or form a fan of Obama.

[Bella]

So typical of His Smugness. He's so perfect and better than everyone.