Tacoma City Council approves controversial gun tax

[KGB]

So it begins

Tacoma City Council approves controversial gun tax
by Tammy Mutasa | KOMO News

Tuesday, November 12th 2019
Tacoma's City Council debated a controversial gun tax Nov. 12, 2019. (KOMO News)

TACOMA -- After three hours of intense and heated testimony from 112 people on both sides of the divisive issue, the Tacoma City Council passed a controversial plan to tax guns and ammunition.

Council leaders passed the gun and ammo tax with the caveat that it won't go into effect until July 2020.

The tax adds $25 to each gun sold, plus an extra two to five cents for each bullet, depending on size.

There was an amendment to slash the price of the tax in half, but it was withdrawn.

Council members said the money is for programs to prevent gun violence which has gone up 37% in Tacoma between 2014 to 2018. A total of 22 people have been murdered in Tacoma so far this year; 19 deaths involved guns.

However, folks against the tax say it would punish law abiding citizens who won't be able to afford to protect themselves.

Gun shop owners and manufacturers like Aero Precision said they will be forced out of town.

"There is a scheme here to impose a tax on the exercise of the Second Amendment," said one speaker against the tax. "Shame on you, shame on you. You're wrong, you know you're wrong, and to hell with you."

Tacoma's City Council considered a tax on guns Nov. 12, 2019. (KOMO News)
"The only way to reduce gun violence is to enforce the laws that are currently on the books,” said another speaker against the tax.

"We need to discourage the purchase of guns and ammunition. That is an answer,” countered another speaker who favored tax.

From now until July, city leaders said they will meet with community groups to figure out how to spend the money and see what, if anything, can be changed before the tax is implemented.

City leaders said there is an option to repeal the tax if it has negative effects on the community.

Tacoma City Council approves controversial gun tax​

First thing that comes to mine here is, if somebody "can't protect themselves" because they can't afford a $25 gun tax, then they must not have anything worth protecting in the first place

yeah, just their life...

 

[KGB]

So it begins

Tacoma City Council approves controversial gun tax
by Tammy Mutasa | KOMO News

Tuesday, November 12th 2019
Tacoma's City Council debated a controversial gun tax Nov. 12, 2019. (KOMO News)

TACOMA -- After three hours of intense and heated testimony from 112 people on both sides of the divisive issue, the Tacoma City Council passed a controversial plan to tax guns and ammunition.

Council leaders passed the gun and ammo tax with the caveat that it won't go into effect until July 2020.

The tax adds $25 to each gun sold, plus an extra two to five cents for each bullet, depending on size.

There was an amendment to slash the price of the tax in half, but it was withdrawn.

Council members said the money is for programs to prevent gun violence which has gone up 37% in Tacoma between 2014 to 2018. A total of 22 people have been murdered in Tacoma so far this year; 19 deaths involved guns.

However, folks against the tax say it would punish law abiding citizens who won't be able to afford to protect themselves.

Gun shop owners and manufacturers like Aero Precision said they will be forced out of town.

"There is a scheme here to impose a tax on the exercise of the Second Amendment," said one speaker against the tax. "Shame on you, shame on you. You're wrong, you know you're wrong, and to hell with you."

Tacoma's City Council considered a tax on guns Nov. 12, 2019. (KOMO News)
"The only way to reduce gun violence is to enforce the laws that are currently on the books,” said another speaker against the tax.

"We need to discourage the purchase of guns and ammunition. That is an answer,” countered another speaker who favored tax.

From now until July, city leaders said they will meet with community groups to figure out how to spend the money and see what, if anything, can be changed before the tax is implemented.

City leaders said there is an option to repeal the tax if it has negative effects on the community.

Tacoma City Council approves controversial gun tax​

First thing that comes to mine here is, if somebody "can't protect themselves" because they can't afford a $25 gun tax, then they must not have anything worth protecting in the first place.


Chris Rock had the right idea

​

So what your saying is poor people don't have a right to self-defense.

that’s liberalism for ya....

 

[NewsVine_Mariyam]

Hopefully this will get challenged and go to court.
Specialized taxes on constitutional rights? Fuck that

The Second Amendment Foundation in Bellevue, Washington is usually all over this kind of legislation but I haven't heard anything from them concerning this.

Hopefully they'll challenge it. Washington state has a law that states that local municpalities, cities, etc. can not pass laws that are more stringent than state law:

Washington state firearm preemption law
There is state preemption over all laws relating to handguns and long guns. No law is allowed to be more restrictive than the state law. Local authorities cannot ban firearms from state parks but can place certain restrictions as outlined in RCW 9.41.300 on other areas.
-------------------------------------------
Washington: Court Upholds State Preemption in Legal Victory for NRA & SAF

On October 18th [2019], law-abiding gun owners won a major victory when the Washington Superior Court granted a motion for summary judgment against the City of Edmonds for violating the state’s preemption statute. This win invalidates the mandatory firearm storage ordinance passed by the City Council, and constitutes a victory for freedom and the Second Amendment.

This ordinance struck down by the court was passed by the City Council in clear violation of Washington's state preemption statute and undeniably interfered with the right of law-abiding citizens to defend themselves in their homes. The NRA & SAF also filed a lawsuit against the City of Seattle for passing a similar ordinance, which is now under review at the state Court of Appeals.

This ordinance and those like it would restrict self-defense by making it illegal for individuals to keep firearms in a private residence unless the firearms are kept in a "locked container." Under this vague standard, non-compliant storage was subject to a fine of up to $10,000. This scheme was nothing short of an invasion of private property rights for the purpose of undermining our Second Amendment freedoms.

Washington State’s preemption statute was passed in 1983 to maintain consistency of firearm and ammunition laws throughout the state. The State Legislature retained full authority to regulate and create laws pertaining to firearms and ammunition to ensure such consistency. Second Amendment rights are guaranteed to all citizens, regardless of where they reside. The City of Edmonds’ ordinance is exactly the type of legislation the state preemption statute was designed to guard against.

We applaud the court for upholding the rights of Washington’s law-abiding gun owners, and will continue to fight for your Second Amendment rights. Please stay tuned to www.nraila.org and your email inbox for further updates on the Evergreen State.

​

 

[NewsVine_Mariyam]

Meh....Washington is a small state.

Not a big point but Washington is the 18th largest state in the union. Ranking Of States By Total Acres

Sorry, as a native I couldn't let that go by.

I'd just drive to the nearest state without the ridiculous taxes and stock up.

Oregon would be the nearest state to Tacoma. It would only take a few hours.[/QUOTE]
You wouldn't even have to drive that far. This law only impacts Tacoma residents & businesses although in actuality it primarily only impacts Tacoma firearm businesses. Residents are free to purchase their weapons and ammunition from whichever place gives them the best deal. There is nothing that I'm aware of that states that their required to purchase within city limits.

 

[PoliticalChic]

First thing that comes to mine here is, if somebody "can't protect themselves" because they can't afford a $25 gun tax, then they must not have anything worth protecting in the first place.


Chris Rock had the right idea

​

It only restricts the poor.

Seems I just said that. But far more eloquently.

No. You just think you said that - after the fact - and now say it in a vain attempt to appear cognizant.

I anticipitated the rhetorical progression presciently and pre-empted the preeminent piffle with predetermined perspicacity.

I find your batty badinage to be basically bumbling bamboozlement, breathlessly bitter, and bodaciously bombastic.

Nicely done!

 

[Rustic]

So it begins

Tacoma City Council approves controversial gun tax
by Tammy Mutasa | KOMO News

Tuesday, November 12th 2019
Tacoma's City Council debated a controversial gun tax Nov. 12, 2019. (KOMO News)

TACOMA -- After three hours of intense and heated testimony from 112 people on both sides of the divisive issue, the Tacoma City Council passed a controversial plan to tax guns and ammunition.

Council leaders passed the gun and ammo tax with the caveat that it won't go into effect until July 2020.

The tax adds $25 to each gun sold, plus an extra two to five cents for each bullet, depending on size.

There was an amendment to slash the price of the tax in half, but it was withdrawn.

Council members said the money is for programs to prevent gun violence which has gone up 37% in Tacoma between 2014 to 2018. A total of 22 people have been murdered in Tacoma so far this year; 19 deaths involved guns.

However, folks against the tax say it would punish law abiding citizens who won't be able to afford to protect themselves.

Gun shop owners and manufacturers like Aero Precision said they will be forced out of town.

"There is a scheme here to impose a tax on the exercise of the Second Amendment," said one speaker against the tax. "Shame on you, shame on you. You're wrong, you know you're wrong, and to hell with you."

Tacoma's City Council considered a tax on guns Nov. 12, 2019. (KOMO News)
"The only way to reduce gun violence is to enforce the laws that are currently on the books,” said another speaker against the tax.

"We need to discourage the purchase of guns and ammunition. That is an answer,” countered another speaker who favored tax.

From now until July, city leaders said they will meet with community groups to figure out how to spend the money and see what, if anything, can be changed before the tax is implemented.

City leaders said there is an option to repeal the tax if it has negative effects on the community.

Tacoma City Council approves controversial gun tax​

Lol
They can do what they want, firearm industry will just move to where they are wanted. red America

 

[Eric Arthur Blair]

You wouldn't even have to drive that far. This law only impacts Tacoma residents & businesses although in actuality it primarily only impacts Tacoma firearm businesses. Residents are free to purchase their weapons and ammunition from whichever place gives them the best deal. There is nothing that I'm aware of that states that their required to purchase within city limits.

Good point. Vancouver or Olympia is just down the road.

 

[CrusaderFrank]

So it begins

Tacoma City Council approves controversial gun tax
by Tammy Mutasa | KOMO News

Tuesday, November 12th 2019
Tacoma's City Council debated a controversial gun tax Nov. 12, 2019. (KOMO News)

TACOMA -- After three hours of intense and heated testimony from 112 people on both sides of the divisive issue, the Tacoma City Council passed a controversial plan to tax guns and ammunition.

Council leaders passed the gun and ammo tax with the caveat that it won't go into effect until July 2020.

The tax adds $25 to each gun sold, plus an extra two to five cents for each bullet, depending on size.

There was an amendment to slash the price of the tax in half, but it was withdrawn.

Council members said the money is for programs to prevent gun violence which has gone up 37% in Tacoma between 2014 to 2018. A total of 22 people have been murdered in Tacoma so far this year; 19 deaths involved guns.

However, folks against the tax say it would punish law abiding citizens who won't be able to afford to protect themselves.

Gun shop owners and manufacturers like Aero Precision said they will be forced out of town.

"There is a scheme here to impose a tax on the exercise of the Second Amendment," said one speaker against the tax. "Shame on you, shame on you. You're wrong, you know you're wrong, and to hell with you."

Tacoma's City Council considered a tax on guns Nov. 12, 2019. (KOMO News)
"The only way to reduce gun violence is to enforce the laws that are currently on the books,” said another speaker against the tax.

"We need to discourage the purchase of guns and ammunition. That is an answer,” countered another speaker who favored tax.

From now until July, city leaders said they will meet with community groups to figure out how to spend the money and see what, if anything, can be changed before the tax is implemented.

City leaders said there is an option to repeal the tax if it has negative effects on the community.

Tacoma City Council approves controversial gun tax​

defacto unconstitutional

 

[Papageorgio]

You wouldn't even have to drive that far. This law only impacts Tacoma residents & businesses although in actuality it primarily only impacts Tacoma firearm businesses. Residents are free to purchase their weapons and ammunition from whichever place gives them the best deal. There is nothing that I'm aware of that states that their required to purchase within city limits.

Good point. Vancouver or Olympia is just down the road.

There is a Cabela's in Lacey. A Walmart in Puyallup, Federal Way and Auburn. Summit Arms Service on Canyon road is where you can buy guns, ammo and target practice. So, Tacoma is only going to be screwing their own businesses.

 

[C_Clayton_Jones]

"However, folks against the tax say it would punish law abiding citizens who won't be able to afford to protect themselves."

Nonsense, that's a lie.

 

[C_Clayton_Jones]

If they can tax the 2nd amendment, surely they can have a poll tax.

(See where I was going with this pigo)

This is as ignorant as it is wrong, and fails as a false comparison fallacy.

The courts have upheld as constitutional taxes and fees with regard to the purchasing of firearms.

 

[martybegan]

If they can tax the 2nd amendment, surely they can have a poll tax.

(See where I was going with this pigo)

This is as ignorant as it is wrong, and fails as a false comparison fallacy.

The courts have upheld as constitutional taxes and fees with regard to the purchasing of firearms.

and local anti-gun governments have run with it to impose unconstitutional values to those fees.

Why should it cost me $600 in fees and 3-6 months of time to have a home use handgun permit in NYC?

 

[C_Clayton_Jones]

Hopefully this will get challenged and go to court.
Specialized taxes on constitutional rights? Fuck that

Again --- there's no tax on the "right". It's a tax on physical objects.

Would a lib say the same if a conservative jurisdiction passed as a special tax on Abortion? Or Smut? Or gay bathhouse admissions?

Or voting?

Another ignorant rightist chimes in.

 

[martybegan]

Hopefully this will get challenged and go to court.
Specialized taxes on constitutional rights? Fuck that

Again --- there's no tax on the "right". It's a tax on physical objects.

Would a lib say the same if a conservative jurisdiction passed as a special tax on Abortion? Or Smut? Or gay bathhouse admissions?

Or voting?

Another ignorant rightist chimes in.

Your typical drive-by content free response.

 

[M14 Shooter]

The courts have upheld as constitutional taxes and fees with regard to the purchasing of firearms.

Look at you and your false equivalence.
When has the USSC upheld a tax laid with the intent to restrict the exercise of a right?
Why do you have to lie to make a point?

 

[Papageorgio]

"However, folks against the tax say it would punish law abiding citizens who won't be able to afford to protect themselves."

Nonsense, that's a lie.

It's just a way to punish people for exercising their 2nd Amendment right, it's all good though because people have lots of places to go right outside the city limits where they can buy their ammo and guns and exercise their 2nd Amendment Rights without a penalty. It screws the good people that run businesses however the greedy Tacoma city government doesn't care about their citizens and their well being, just getting money from their citizens.

 

[Nostra]

So it begins

Tacoma City Council approves controversial gun tax
by Tammy Mutasa | KOMO News

Tuesday, November 12th 2019
Tacoma's City Council debated a controversial gun tax Nov. 12, 2019. (KOMO News)

TACOMA -- After three hours of intense and heated testimony from 112 people on both sides of the divisive issue, the Tacoma City Council passed a controversial plan to tax guns and ammunition.

Council leaders passed the gun and ammo tax with the caveat that it won't go into effect until July 2020.

The tax adds $25 to each gun sold, plus an extra two to five cents for each bullet, depending on size.

There was an amendment to slash the price of the tax in half, but it was withdrawn.

Council members said the money is for programs to prevent gun violence which has gone up 37% in Tacoma between 2014 to 2018. A total of 22 people have been murdered in Tacoma so far this year; 19 deaths involved guns.

However, folks against the tax say it would punish law abiding citizens who won't be able to afford to protect themselves.

Gun shop owners and manufacturers like Aero Precision said they will be forced out of town.

"There is a scheme here to impose a tax on the exercise of the Second Amendment," said one speaker against the tax. "Shame on you, shame on you. You're wrong, you know you're wrong, and to hell with you."

Tacoma's City Council considered a tax on guns Nov. 12, 2019. (KOMO News)
"The only way to reduce gun violence is to enforce the laws that are currently on the books,” said another speaker against the tax.

"We need to discourage the purchase of guns and ammunition. That is an answer,” countered another speaker who favored tax.

From now until July, city leaders said they will meet with community groups to figure out how to spend the money and see what, if anything, can be changed before the tax is implemented.

City leaders said there is an option to repeal the tax if it has negative effects on the community.

Tacoma City Council approves controversial gun tax​

First thing that comes to mine here is, if somebody "can't protect themselves" because they can't afford a $25 gun tax, then they must not have anything worth protecting in the first place.


Chris Rock had the right idea

​

other than their life, you mean?

 

[C_Clayton_Jones]

Hopefully this will get challenged and go to court.
Specialized taxes on constitutional rights? Fuck that

The Second Amendment Foundation in Bellevue, Washington is usually all over this kind of legislation but I haven't heard anything from them concerning this.

Hopefully they'll challenge it. Washington state has a law that states that local municpalities, cities, etc. can not pass laws that are more stringent than state law:

Washington state firearm preemption law
There is state preemption over all laws relating to handguns and long guns. No law is allowed to be more restrictive than the state law. Local authorities cannot ban firearms from state parks but can place certain restrictions as outlined in RCW 9.41.300 on other areas.
-------------------------------------------
Washington: Court Upholds State Preemption in Legal Victory for NRA & SAF

On October 18th [2019], law-abiding gun owners won a major victory when the Washington Superior Court granted a motion for summary judgment against the City of Edmonds for violating the state’s preemption statute. This win invalidates the mandatory firearm storage ordinance passed by the City Council, and constitutes a victory for freedom and the Second Amendment.

This ordinance struck down by the court was passed by the City Council in clear violation of Washington's state preemption statute and undeniably interfered with the right of law-abiding citizens to defend themselves in their homes. The NRA & SAF also filed a lawsuit against the City of Seattle for passing a similar ordinance, which is now under review at the state Court of Appeals.

This ordinance and those like it would restrict self-defense by making it illegal for individuals to keep firearms in a private residence unless the firearms are kept in a "locked container." Under this vague standard, non-compliant storage was subject to a fine of up to $10,000. This scheme was nothing short of an invasion of private property rights for the purpose of undermining our Second Amendment freedoms.

Washington State’s preemption statute was passed in 1983 to maintain consistency of firearm and ammunition laws throughout the state. The State Legislature retained full authority to regulate and create laws pertaining to firearms and ammunition to ensure such consistency. Second Amendment rights are guaranteed to all citizens, regardless of where they reside. The City of Edmonds’ ordinance is exactly the type of legislation the state preemption statute was designed to guard against.

We applaud the court for upholding the rights of Washington’s law-abiding gun owners, and will continue to fight for your Second Amendment rights. Please stay tuned to www.nraila.org and your email inbox for further updates on the Evergreen State.

​

“…but I haven't heard anything from them concerning this.”

Likely because they know any such challenge would be pointless.

Again, the courts have consistently upheld as Constitutional fees and taxes concerning firearms.

For example, in 2015 the United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit upheld as Constitutional the District’s $13 per firearm registration fee.

 

[NewsVine_Mariyam]

Hopefully this will get challenged and go to court.
Specialized taxes on constitutional rights? Fuck that

The Second Amendment Foundation in Bellevue, Washington is usually all over this kind of legislation but I haven't heard anything from them concerning this.

Hopefully they'll challenge it. Washington state has a law that states that local municpalities, cities, etc. can not pass laws that are more stringent than state law:

Washington state firearm preemption law
There is state preemption over all laws relating to handguns and long guns. No law is allowed to be more restrictive than the state law. Local authorities cannot ban firearms from state parks but can place certain restrictions as outlined in RCW 9.41.300 on other areas.
-------------------------------------------
Washington: Court Upholds State Preemption in Legal Victory for NRA & SAF

On October 18th [2019], law-abiding gun owners won a major victory when the Washington Superior Court granted a motion for summary judgment against the City of Edmonds for violating the state’s preemption statute. This win invalidates the mandatory firearm storage ordinance passed by the City Council, and constitutes a victory for freedom and the Second Amendment.

This ordinance struck down by the court was passed by the City Council in clear violation of Washington's state preemption statute and undeniably interfered with the right of law-abiding citizens to defend themselves in their homes. The NRA & SAF also filed a lawsuit against the City of Seattle for passing a similar ordinance, which is now under review at the state Court of Appeals.

This ordinance and those like it would restrict self-defense by making it illegal for individuals to keep firearms in a private residence unless the firearms are kept in a "locked container." Under this vague standard, non-compliant storage was subject to a fine of up to $10,000. This scheme was nothing short of an invasion of private property rights for the purpose of undermining our Second Amendment freedoms.

Washington State’s preemption statute was passed in 1983 to maintain consistency of firearm and ammunition laws throughout the state. The State Legislature retained full authority to regulate and create laws pertaining to firearms and ammunition to ensure such consistency. Second Amendment rights are guaranteed to all citizens, regardless of where they reside. The City of Edmonds’ ordinance is exactly the type of legislation the state preemption statute was designed to guard against.

We applaud the court for upholding the rights of Washington’s law-abiding gun owners, and will continue to fight for your Second Amendment rights. Please stay tuned to www.nraila.org and your email inbox for further updates on the Evergreen State.

​

“…but I haven't heard anything from them concerning this.”

Likely because they know any such challenge would be pointless.

You quoted the above but missed the rest of my comment where I quoted a news article about one of their victories just last month in Washington State?

You should read up on them, they have accomplished a lot when it comes to defending the rights of lawful gun owners. They joined with the NRA in filing a lawsuit back after hurrican Katrina decimated parts of New Orleans and the police department confiscated the guns of residents who refused to abandon their property for fear of roving bands of looters. They were the only ones who were successful in getting the court to order the return of the firearms which were ruled to have been unconstitutionally confiscated.

 

[beagle9]

First thing that comes to mine here is, if somebody "can't protect themselves" because they can't afford a $25 gun tax, then they must not have anything worth protecting in the first place.


Chris Rock had the right idea

​

It only restricts the poor.

Seems I just said that. But far more eloquently.

No. You just think you said that - after the fact - and now say it in a vain attempt to appear cognizant.

I anticipitated the rhetorical progression presciently and pre-empted the preeminent piffle with predetermined perspicacity.

I find your batty badinage to be basically bumbling bamboozlement, breathlessly bitter, and bodaciously bombastic.

Pogo's thinking is probably the same kind of defense that was made by Satan and his Angels right before their banishment from heaven. Think about that one for a second.