Permitting the Right: Nuts to That

Nelson was sent to a mental-health center for a 96-hour evaluation in September 2003 over fears he would harm himself. He was evaluated and released with no finding of mental illness or need for treatment.

Last year, he applied for a permit to acquire a weapon. The Callaway County sheriff denied the request, citing a section of law barring people who were committed to a mental-health center from obtaining a permit.

My thoughts on the mentally ill and guns has not changed since writing this.

I'm glad Nelson had the will and the resources to fight this beyond the sheriff, the small claims court, and the circuit judge. If he hadn't he'd still be disarmed.