Concerning the Aug. 25 story “Seattle sued over ‘gun violence tax,’ ” about Seattle taxing guns and ammunition, it is time for gun owners to pay a larger share of what the Second Amendment costs the taxpayer as currently interpreted. We gun owners should no longer expect non-gun-owning taxpayers to subsidize our broadly interpreted rights.
Maintaining that I should be able to acquire, sell or trade any gun, any ammo, anytime, anywhere without providing information about me and the people I deal with invites the epidemic of irresponsible and illegal gun use. It also makes it immensely expensive for authorities to investigate and prosecute shootings.
Not only should Seattle tax the sales of guns and ammo to offset a small portion of what gun issues cost, but gun owners everywhere should be proud to fund gun rights as we demand to practice them. We should be insured so if our guns are stolen and misused, the victim’s family can, at least, seek damages. Ironically, expecting the non-gun majority to subsidize our pro-gun minority is socialism. We should pay our way.
