There is a missing detail in the Fast and Furious story

[Nancy Waterman]

The whole reason that the ATF created this stupid program is that they have been way underfunded for a long time and are not able to do the kind of enforcement they need. And why is that? Because of pressure from the NRA to keep their efforts to a minimum!! Yes, the same NRA that is screaming for Holder to be found in contempt, and pressuring congress about it, has been the force behind the underfunding of the ATF in the first place.

[russspeakeasy]

1. I would encourage a tax on gun sales to fight crime, just like

we have a tax in tobacco to promote healthy living...
I don't think I know anyone in the NRA and only they know why they need guns to shoot things that don't shoot back.
If they are willing to pay dues to the NRA, they should be willing to pay gun taxes.

I'm not against hunting, I'm not against self protection.

In case you were going to question my manhood; I haven't picked up a gun since I left the military. I saw what they can do and I've seen what some people are capable of doing with them.

[hack89]

7. The Firearms and Ammunition Excise Tax (FAET) raises $500 million annually for the government.

there is plenty of money.

[russspeakeasy]

8. Thanks for the info. I'll google it and see how it's distributed.

[appal_jack]

2. There is no valid excuse for F&F

There is no valid excuse for a Federal Law Enforcement Agency to break the law. Ever.

It's perfectly fine for you to be sore at the NRA. I'm not a member, so I have no dog in that fight, but the actions of ATF agents are the responsibility of the ATF hierarchy, and ultimately, the Justice Department and the President. Responsibility for funding the ATF sits with Congress. The NRA and every other NGO and lobbying group that might have opined on ATF funding don't get to make the final decisions.

Trying to pass the buck on the Fast & Furious scandal will help no one. It was not a lack of funds that caused the problem: gun store owners were ready to stop sales when they believed that the buyers were straw purchasers. Yet in those cases, the ATF told the gun store owners to GO AHEAD WITH THE SALES (i.e.- break the law) despite the fact that the ATF had no plan in place to track those guns. This is fucked-up.

-app

[socialaidem]

6. Agreed

Passing blame is just not admitting they were wrong in the first place.

[DJ13]

3. underfunded for a long time and are not able to do the kind of enforcement they need.

Same as the financial crisis and the SEC.

Under-regulating industry is a disaster waiting to happen.

[TeamPooka]

4. political witch hunt...

no hearings with the ATF guys in AZ that did it?
I wonder why
but Issa refuses because then he would have to blame the right people and not the two black guys he's really after.

[progressoid]

5. I'm underfunded too.

Can I break the law too?