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Related: Editorials & Other Articles, Issue Forums, Alliance Forums, Region ForumsTax breaks for non assault weapon owning households
Perhaps one of the most powerful solutions to the assault weapons problem in America could be a tax break for those of us who refuse to own such weapons. Obviously funded by assault weapon purchasers, a tax break for those households whom assault weapons are not a rational choice may influence the proliferation of these devices. What is more American than a tax break? Military grade weapons, even though they are modestly modified to claim non automatic status, are clearly unworthy of a civilized society. Easily transformed to function as originally intended by even marginally skilled owners, these weapons are designed for combat conditions. Even the military locks them up when not needed. These weapons in particular have come to hold our society hostage to an ideal that the "Founders" clearly could not anticipate and surely would not have given their stamp of approval. Let's not forget the words included in the second amendment say that a well regulated militia is required if you want to own a weapon. So I suggest that a tax break for every household sufficient for that household to purchase body armor if they so choose. This proposal is not for normal firearms such as shotguns, bolt action rifles, muzzle loaders; weapons that could be reasonably argued to be for "hunting" or home defense. And as I mentioned, what is more American than a tax break. And think of the jobs created in the body armor industry.
whatthehey
(3,660 posts)which has been a political nonstarter to date.
HassleCat
(6,409 posts)How about a tax break for someone who has an assault weapon of an approved type, trains with the militia, meaning the real militia, not some self-styled patriot group? If gun owners are willing to subject themselves to administrative authority, and be vetted, etc, we could reward them for their service to our country.
Trust Buster
(7,299 posts)JustAnotherGen
(31,828 posts)So I suggest that a tax break for every household sufficient for that household to purchase body armor if they so choose.
I like they way you think. I should be able to claim a tax break for something I now need in the 'new normal' just to go to church! Thanks!
Amishman
(5,557 posts)Given the widespread non-compliance to state level registration attempts, its not like lying about gun ownership would be a new thing for them.
JustAnotherGen
(31,828 posts)I think at least for children - it should be tax deductible.
http://www.bulletblocker.com/bulletproof-school-safety-protection.html
$750 for a childrens bullet proof jacket.
$360 for a children's bullet proof back pack.
I don't think the gun credit is the way to go. But tax deductions that make people at least 'when they put their money where their mouth is' - ADMIT that the gun mentality in our country requires us to protect children in this way . . .
I mean - if gun owners buy this for their kids -then they TOO would get the credit.
But wouldn't they kind of be admitting that body armor/bullet proof gear stops deaths and not good guys with guns?
In light of Sandy Hook - I think this is a fabulous idea!