Literacy test for gun ownership?

[Mr. Whimsy]

I am not naming names or getting "political" here, mods, but a certain politician just made the national news by suggesting a literacy test before people are allowed to vote. It got me thinking, since a lot of people agree with his notion of citizens having to prove competency before exercising a right ... what if we were talking about firearms ownership instead? Would a literacy test or any other competency test (we require drivers' licenses, for example) be good for gun owners?

Literacy notwithstanding, should there be any competency requirements? Intelligence testing? Physical tests? Just spitballing here and genuinely curious about your thoughts on the matter.

 

[BURN]

the only problem is that once you open that door...they cna make the standards higher and higher until only the chosen few can vote/own a firearm/etc...

 

[GunsAmerica Fan]

Well what about the first amendment? That would shut Pelosi and Reid right out. I bet they both stand and study when confronted with a new idea in mens and ladies room signs.

There is supreme court case law on this stuff, what limits can the fed put on rights. Sometimes it is used to allow stuff that the majority of the population would oppose, like in free speech and press, and sometimes it is used in limiting things that most of the public would support, like the availability of grenade launchers for recreational use lol.

Literacy itself is not a test of ability to handle a firearm. It is a test of ignorance in many cases, never being taught, and what about literacy in a foreign language but lack of 100% proficiency in english for **legal** immigrants? Literacy is not a good test overall.

 

[markdaniel]

I think politicians should take a literacy test before running for office!!

 

[41magsnub]

Literacy testing for voting rights... hmm.. where does that sound familiar from?

 

[cleardiddion]

I thought we did away with that c*** for a reason.

 

[RS14]

The incompetent idiots of the world have as much a right to defend themselves as anyone else. Hopefully they'll not hurt themselves or anyone else, should it be necessary, but should they do so, they'll be just as responsible for it as anyone else.

 

[oldpuppymax]

The best "tests" for the ownership of arms are those suggested by the Founders. No criminals, no insane or mentally deficient and no traitors. If only the left would stick to THESE it would be great!

 

[hso]

Hmmmmm, been tried before and considered unconstitutional.

How 'bout someone tell this mystery politician that Jim Crow's supposed to be long dead.

 

[SwampWolf]

the only problem is that once you open that door...they cna make the standards higher and higher until only the chosen few can vote/own a firearm/etc...

And I'm sure that's exactly what "they" have in mind. A literacy test to determine whether or not you are an American heir having God-given "certain unalienable Rights"? Talk about a slippery slope down the path to destruction!

 

[paintballdude902]

starting to get into the jim crow area with that

and the electoral college was developed in part for as my high school teacher put it "to protect the/ protect against, the illiterate farmer from idaho"

 

[NavyLCDR]

So, in what language would this leteracy be given in? America has no official national language.

In response to requiring a test for firearms ownership - hell no. Where does that fit into the phrase "shall not be infringed"?

 

[Justin]

The entire basis of this discussion is preposterous.