Balancing the 2nd Amendment
The 2nd Amendment of the US Constitution
Commentary
While gun ownership is a right and personal safety is not explicitly protected, a balance protecting both should be possible. I simply do not think a society where my children practice active-shooter-drills is one where “no-action” is the correct action. Maybe the following would help (I think it is mostly carrot and little stick).
Gun shop owners, or private salesmen, would receive a 100% tax credit on the cost of a gun, if prior to the sale of a gun, would ensure the gun buyer shows proof of:
- ownership of an appropriately sized gun-safe and trigger locks – verified by notary public or local sheriff’s office verification.
- mental and physical capability (fitness-for-duty) – attestation by a board-certified doctor.
- the successful completion of training for that class of weapon – provided by US Army or National Guard.
The tax-credit on the cost of the gun would hopefully entice many gun shop owners to participate in this program by increasing their profits by 100% on each sale.
The fitness-for-duty and training could be based on US Army or National Guard standards. Both of these classes could be held on a regular schedule at a local National Guard Armory and Military Bases.
The fitness-for-duty for duty would be an evaluation of a person’s physical and mental health to ensure they would be a competent, safe, and responsible gun-owner.
The training would consist of classroom and field components to ensure the participant knows their weapon and demonstrates competence when using it. Different training would be offered for pistol, rifle, etc.
To ensure continued “fitness for duty”, perhaps the cost of 12 boxes of ammunition could also be eligible for a 100% tax credit, upon annual mental/physical evaluation and demonstration of proficiency.
Additionally, the cost of the required fitness-for-duty evaluation and training classes could either be offered for free or could be paid for by the participants or a tax-credit could be offered to participants.
Conclusion
As always, I would be interested in hearing other perspectives or suggested modifications to this proposal.