Toughen standards to get FOID cards

The tragic slaying of students at Virginia Tech and most recently at NIU are probably unpreventable as our society's gun laws are structured.

Attempts to keep firearms out of the hands of troubled individuals is a legal enforcement challenge. But if one reviews the questions on the Illinois state police application for Firearm Owner's Identification Card, no where does it specifically ask if the "applicant is or has been receiving medical treatment for mental illness." This must be mandatory without exception.

It is far too easy for any person to apply for the I.D. card. If we don't ask the basic qualifying questions, how can we begin regulate the illegal use of guns and prevent the inevitable?

The right to bear arms belongs to responsible citizens.

Ronald A. Palmer

Elk Grove Village