In the latest attack by lawmakers against law-abiding American gun owners, a former Florida candidate for governor is looking to add taxes to bullets and weapons. The reason for the added tax? The Democrat, Chris King, is interested in having the funds support gun violence prevention programs and studies — plus supporting the medical needs of individuals affected by gun violence.
While these are all valid projects to support, the massive 6 percent surcharge on all ammo sales would put these already-expensive items out of reach for many families. Unfortunately, this isn’t the only state preparing to implement these so-called “sin taxes”. Sadly, this is not an isolated incident.
Prohibitive Gun and Ammo Taxes
Liberal lawmakers in a variety of states are looking for ways to punish law-abiding individuals who happen to appreciate firearms. The current 11% excise tax that the U.S. places on ammunition could potentially hike as high as 50% if Democrats get their way — with a subsequent increase of 10% on guns, too.
Selective taxes have been utilized in the past with mixed results. Instead of causing individuals to stop buying items, people instead will look for ways to work around the prohibitive taxation. This most recent taxation attempt is most like to leads to growth in black market sales of weapons and ammunition: not exactly the type of activity that lawmakers wish to expand.
Taxation as a Lever
Lawmakers believe that by adding this extreme level of taxation, that they can control the American public — encouraging individuals to not purchase as many guns and limit their ammo usage.
While the additional taxes are slated for a beneficial use, it’s unlikely that the majority of the money will ever make its way to the pockets of gun violence sufferers. It’s also unlikely to improve the security at the thousands of schools around the country. Instead, it is more likely to end up lining the pockets of politicians who promoted the sanctions.
The $1,000 Gun Tax
Even the U.S. Mariana Islands are getting on board with the idea of overactive taxation to limit gun ownership. The governor of the U.S. territory instituted a $1,000 gun tax in 2016, advocating that it should be utilized as a model for states across the country. The excessive excise tax joins Seattle’s $25 gun tax and others across the country. After the recent Parkland, Florida shooting, officials are utilizing the public outrage against the shooter to attempt to push through more gun-opposed legislation.
It is becoming more challenging for gun owners and advocates on a daily basis. This taxation is only the latest attack by Liberal lawmakers as they attempt to legislate guns and ammunition out of the hands of Americans.
~ Firearm Daily
