According to “TrustandVerify,” an AK-47 like this can be bought via the Arizona Republic classifieds

Much of the Internet traffic following up on the Tucson shooting has dwelled on what could have been done to treat Jared Loughner’s apparent mental illness.

Well, first of all, let’s wait for an assessment by mental health professionals. Granted, he walks like a duck, and smirks like a duck—but I’m no clinician.

And second, the idea that “any one of us” could have picked up the phone, called a state agency, and “gotten this guy off the streets” is laughable. Yes, Arizona’s commitment statute is different from that of other states and does permit any person to make such a call.

But who will answer? We have watched as our state services, including mental health, have been decimated. Is there anyone in fantasyland who thinks state health professionals are standing by, with empty caseloads, awaiting your (likely uninformed) call?

If so, you may want to turn yourself in.

And on the mental health question, Linda Valdez at the Arizona Republic wrote the other day on the shooting. She mused on whether early intervention by medical professionals could have prevented Loughner’s actions.

I try not to read the comments that follow news stories—they’re too depressing. But one post did catch my eye. That could be because it included an arresting image (above). But it also could be due to the fact that it examined the Republic’s own practices that may contribute to a more violent society.

I will let “TrustandVerify” speak for himself:

“There are currently more than 20 guns for sale by private parties in your newspaper. As I understand it, none of these purchases would require a background check. Some of them are sport guns for hunting birds or other animals that can be eaten.”

“[But] some of them are extremely bad news, such as the AK47 Shorty Pistol I have pictured below. Crazy people buy guns like this from private parties without a background check. And your newspaper is facilitating the exchanges for profit.”

No responding post from Linda Valdez or the Republic yet. Maybe I should call a state agency to raise the issue. I’m sure they’re awaiting my call.