In Arizona’s wake, gun control for the mentally ill?

Much has been made of Tucson shooting suspect Jared Loughner’s troubled state of mind by police and former classmates. But if Loughner’s mental issues were a factor in Saturday’s attacks, does it follow that we should screen people for mental illness before allowing them to purchase guns? Is this even possible? And more importantly, do these kind of gun restrictions save lives or are they merely knee-jerk responses that only give us the impression of added safety?

To kick start our conversation this morning we’re joined by Dan Baum, a contributor to Harpers Magazine. He wrote a cover piece for their August issue about how it feels to carry a gun ? he’s also writing a book about the relationship between Americans and their guns. Also with us is Dr. Nada Stotland, former president of the American Psychiatric association.

Also: Dr. Mark Vonnegut on His Mental Illness, Med