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Can we use your reasoning to justify applying a similar tax and registration requirement to the first amendment? If not, why not?

• Spooky23 4y ago
  Sure. We do. Lobbyists require registration and can be charged with a misdemeanor or felony for failing to do so. Lobbying is more tightly associated with political speech than owning a firearm. It’s even more clearly legal with the 2nd amendment, as taxation is clearly associated with regulation and paying taxes is a long established and enumerated power of the US government.
  • teakettle42 4y ago
    That’s a justification for requiring registration and taxes on private armed security. What’s the justification for registration and taxes on an individual citizen exercising their own first amendment rights? Or their voting rights, for that matter?
    • Spooky23 4y ago
      Both happen. Public meetings regularly require registration to speak and onerous registration and ID requirements are common in many states. I think that gun fanciers have benefited from a live let live attitude for a long time. As children continue to get slaughtered, I think the counter reaction to current gun stance will be extreme. Personally, I grew up a country boy and had a .22 when I was 6. My position has changed and I’m not alone.