Here's some more relating the recent lawsuit over a suicide committed after WM sold a mentally unstable woman a shotgun.
First, I should note that according to a CNN online poll, a lot of people think that gun background checks should include a mental history, even though that is currently illegal.
Second, Wal-Mart sold the gun because the background check came in clear. If the background check had not come back, WM would not have sold the gun at all. WM's actions should be taken in context of its actual Wal-Mart policy on background checks, which is tougher than federal standards:
LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (AP) - Wal-Mart, the nation's biggest gun seller, is strengthening its policy on background checks of firearms buyers beyond the requirements of federal law.The retail giant directed its stores to hold up sales in which the time limit for a background check had expired because of concern criminals could still get guns, spokeswoman Jessica Moser Eldred said.
Potential gun buyers nationwide undergo a background check through the National Instant Criminal Background Check System. The dealer can sell a gun, though, if the check isn't completed within three business days.
Managers at Wal-Mart's 2,600 American stores must wait until the check is made, no matter how long it takes, before selling a gun, according to the memo signed by company executives. The memo was dated May 31 and the policy is now in effect.
The policy applies only to rifles and shotguns, since Wal-Mart does not sell handguns.
Third, a while back WM halted selling rifles and shotguns in California. Strangely enough, the AP used the image of a revolver--which WM doesn't sell--to accompany its story.
Fourth, here's Walmart.com's online shotgun store, if you're still Xmas shopping, although you will have to pick up the guns and ammo in the stores.
Posted by Kevin on December, 23 2004 at 11:59 AM
