Pro Gun Mental Health Professionals

[Pat McGarrity]

Recently, I posted a GOA alert on H.R. 297, which contains several threats to American's privacy and civil rights. One sentence in the GOA alert states; "The fact that metal health 'experts,' a notoriously anti-gun community, would have a say in who is allowed to possess a firearm is, quite frankly, frightening."

While this "Brady Bunch" backed bill, is disturbing and many in the mental health field have been traditionally anti gun, I don't believe we can "broad brush" any group. I'd like to thank James T. Hall, M.S. NCC, Addiction Therapist with the Veterans Affairs Medical Center Memphis, for writing me and making me aware of his support of our gun rights and that of several of his colleagues. Also, I'd like to thank James for his work helping our veterans. The majority of Americans support our right to own guns and this includes many diverse groups. It's good to know James and many of his peers are working with us. Thanks again James!

In Liberty,

Pat McGarrity
Director - Shelby County, TFA


From James T. Hall, M.S. NCC:

Patriot Pat McGarrity,

Thank you for informing us of the bill to expand the "gun grabbers" agenda. However, I find it unfortunate that GOA painted a whole profession as being anti-gun. I am talking about the comment about mental health "experts, a notoriously anti-gun community". I am one of those so called experts. My Tennessee Concealed Carry permit is on its third renewal now. I personally know of two psychiatrist, a clinical psychologist, and two other mental health therapist who are licensed in the State of Tennessee to legally carry a concealed handgun. They are all active shooters. In know of other colleagues who are pro-gun people. And yes, I do know some who want all personal handguns to be outlawed. But you know what, you find some of the same attitudes in the ranks of some police forces in the USA.

So I'm saying...let us move forward to keep our Constitutional rights but don't beat up a group of people who have many allies among them.

Thank you for your time

James T. Hall, M.S. NCC

Addiction Therapist
Veterans Affairs Medical Center Memphis