Man Wearing Camouflage Clothing Standing with a Rifle in a Grass Field
By: izzet çakallı
Licensed Under CC
Inflation has caused significant increases in rent, energy bills, and insurance, making every living expense more difficult to afford for all Americans. Now, Democrats are making living more expensive by taxing our fundamental, constitutional Second Amendment right.
As of July, California residents now face an 11% excise tax when purchasing a firearm or ammunition, in addition to current federal taxes on firearms. The tax came about after Democrat Governor Gavin Newsom signed AB 28 into law in late June. Placing such a large excise tax on the purchase of a firearm determines who has the right to own a gun, not based on qualification, but on financial ability. This move by California Democrats tramples upon individuals’ constitutional rights and could prevent working-class and low-income citizens from exercising their rights solely due to higher prices. Every American deserves the ability to defend their life and liberty, regardless of their income level.
In recognition of the fact that California Democrats have demonstrated a lack of respect for the U.S. Constitution, the Firearms Policy Coalition filed a Second Amendment lawsuit challenging the constitutionality of California’s SB2 for limiting the ability of law-abiding individuals to carry a licensed firearm. These restrictions are not based on misuse of public safety concerns, but rather wholly on an individual’s ability to pay off the government in the form of an 11% tax.
Democratic presidential nominee and former CA resident Kamala Harris claims she owns a firearm and is a strong supporter of 2nd Amendment rights, but she has a long political history of restricting gun ownership. Would a principled supporter of the 2nd Amendment support a crippling, unprecedented tax on Californians who just want to exercise their rights?
After Governor Newsom signed AB 28 into law, many gun rights advocates feared that other blue states would follow California’s lead. Fortunately, the political backlash has forced Democrats in blue states to covertly ditch the issue.
Earlier this year, Washington state Democrats introduced House Bill 2238, modeled after California’s 11% tax on firearms. Yet since being introduced in the House, the bill has sat idly in committee, largely viewed as impractical and unlikely to gain the necessary support for passage. Maryland’s Senate Bill 0784, which mirrors these efforts, also remains in limbo. New Mexico’s Senate Bill 90, introduced in January, proposed a similar tax on guns, but went even further by including and 11% tax when giving a gun as a gift. The bill has been postponed indefinitely.
While these blue states and others have abandoned the idea after gun owners rallied in opposition, Colorado Democrats smartly redirected the issue to the November ballot. Voters will decide tomorrow whether Colorado should levy a 6.5% excise tax on the net taxable sales of gun dealers, manufacturers, and ammunition vendors. Democrats have advertised the measure as a means of protecting children and reducing crime. However, a yes vote on the ballot would only increase the tax on legally sold guns, even though most firearm crimes are committed with illegally obtained weapons.
Despite efforts from left-wing Democrats to stifle Americans’ 2nd Amendment rights, there are Republican representatives in each of these states fighting to protect them. If individuals do not make their voices heard to protect their rights at the state level, we could become susceptible to federal legislation, such as Congressman Beyer’s proposed 1,000% excise tax on firearms – a de facto gun ban for all except the super-rich.
As Americans grapple with tough economic conditions after years of high inflation and rising bills, Democrats in blue states remain focused on ensuring people pay even more. From higher grocery prices and soaring energy costs to new taxes on fundamental constitutional rights, it’s clear that the Democrats will find every way to take more of your hard-earned money.
