That didn’t take long.
U.S. Senate Democratic Leader Harry Reid is demanding Congress pass new gun control laws to stop felons and the mentally ill from purchasing guns.
Yes, we know that felony checks are already part of the National Instant Criminal Background Check System used by firearms dealers. So are checks to insure that guns are not sold to individuals involuntarily committed to a mental institution, those convicted of domestic violence or drug use.
However, Democrats and the Obama administration want anyone who has sought treatment for depression or other mental issues to be reported to the national criminal-check system. Standing in their way are health officials who fear such reporting requirements might discourage some from actually seeking treatment.
Reid even admitted that Democrats’ efforts to require this and other gun control laws have consistently failed, including the measures he called for Tuesday. But Reid was on a roll — let’s not interrupt him:
“I understand the definition of insanity is continuing to do the same thing over and over again while expecting a different result, and that’s what we’re doing.”
Finally, Democrats admit they are insane for repeatedly trying and failing to politicize gun control in the face of every tragedy, especially during the presidential primary season.
However, the national party should take a lesson from Colorado — capitalizing on heartbreak to pass gun control measures can also backfire politically. Just ask former State Senate President John Morse and former State Senator Angela Giron.