Tulsa World: Tulsa lawmaker wants repeal of gun tax

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Tulsa lawmaker wants repeal of gun tax

By WORLD CAPITOL BUREAU
Published: 12/16/2008 10:37 AM
Last Modified: 12/16/2008 10:37 AM

OKLAHOMA CITY — A Tulsa lawmaker said Tuesday he will file legislation to repeal the sales tax on the purchase of guns or ammunition in Oklahoma.

"As Americans, we should not have to pay a tax to exercise our constitutional rights — especially our Second Amendment rights," said Rep. Eric Proctor, D-Tulsa.

The measure, by Proctor and state Sen. Kenneth Corn, D-Howe, D-Poteau, will not affect any dedicated revenue stream for wildlife or other programs, Proctor said, adding it would have minimal impact on the state treasury.

"In Oklahoma, we have a long tradition of sportsmanship and hunting that precedes statehood and we should protect that heritage," Proctor said.

He said the tax should also be repealed because it could be a barrier for those needing protection.

"People shouldn't have to pay a tax to the government if they need a gun in the home for self-protection," Proctor said. "No matter what, the responsibility to protect your family is greater than the state's need to generate taxes."

By WORLD CAPITOL BUREAU

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	Report Comment SBH, OKC (12/16/2008 11:16:12 AM) So important we do this, Roscoe. We need to increase sales of guns to makes us safer, employ more people overseas at German and Italian companies like Glock and Beretta and in other states where Smith and Wesson is based.
	Report Comment Fred, (12/16/2008 11:17:15 AM) As long as the purchaser walks to the gun store, I have no problem with that at all. When the purchaser uses our streets to drive there they need to pay for the street cost and upkeep. Just to bring the guns to the store, the manufacturer already used our streets to drive the delivery trucks to the store. Maybe if they just walked to the manufacturer and bought the gun and walked it home, it would be a better deal for us. I think then the tax free bit would be a better deal. Do any of you think that either of these state lawmakers have ever been to a gun show or bought a gun, tax free, at a gun show?
	Report Comment BobInTulsa, (12/16/2008 11:18:20 AM) If we accept Proctor's argument, then it would follow: "No matter what, the responsibility to FEED your family is greater …." "No matter what, the responsibility to SHELTER your family is greater …." And, so on and so on, and so on…
	Report Comment Jay of Tulsa, (12/16/2008 11:22:07 AM) Hey Fred...what about all those other taxes we are being raked over the coals with?? Maybe they need to watch their spending and give us taxpayers a break....
	Report Comment soonernow, (12/16/2008 11:27:10 AM) Roscoe..well said! I can't wait to see their(liberals) comments either. It sure seems to me that maybe they should add some pork to that proposed bill..maybe something like repealing the sales tax on NECESSITY ITEMS like FOOD and CLOTHING like most other states have for many years.
	Report Comment poemshrike, (12/16/2008 11:29:18 AM) to the Honorable Mr. Proctor: how 'bout repealing the sales tax on food before working on the guns. Next, they'll be a tax called the "Breathing Air Tax." It is an abomination to tax us for the very food we have to eat. I'm a retired US Navy veteran and disabled and am highly offended each time I look at my grocery receipt and see that tax. Don't get me wrong...I'm pro gun...but let's get our priorities in order here!!!
	Report Comment kyote, (12/16/2008 11:30:01 AM) That is not the only thing we need to repeal the sales tax on. But I hope they have success on this one.
	Report Comment Paul in Tulsa, (12/16/2008 12:09:01 PM) We have to tax food because eating is not a constitutional right like gun ownership is!
	Report Comment WeissGuy, Tulsa (12/16/2008 12:15:05 PM) He probably doesn't care about the tax as much as he cares about looking "pro gun rights." Is there an election around the corner?
	Report Comment TU Homer, (12/16/2008 12:15:24 PM) Freak. This is the symbolism at it's worst. No way, does paying an incremental tax prohibit anyone from buying bullets or shells for protection. Water drop in the ocean.
	Report Comment dukeera, Jenks (12/16/2008 12:20:53 PM) Only in Oklahoma...
	Report Comment Fred, (12/16/2008 12:30:30 PM) Jay, What services did you want to cut off? What projects should we stop? Guys, many places don't have taxes on clothes or food or anything else you purchase. But, to fund the cities and state, the property taxes are out of sight. Apartment renters also pay those property taxes through their rent. Nobody wants to pay taxes. Everybody wants excellent infrastructure and services. You don't get one without the other. Maybe in the next life, but not in this one.
	Report Comment Graybeard, Tulsa (12/16/2008 12:36:40 PM) The tax on ammunition is a key element in this proposal because rumour has it that the Obama administration will try to impose a large tax on ammo in lieu of actual weapon controls. History shows that banning weapons never keeps them out of the hands of the criminals, only good citizens. A recent example would be Australia's tremendous increase in armed crimes after their Parliament passed gun control legislation.
	Report Comment emotional_sting, tulsa (12/16/2008 12:43:11 PM) wow... this is really going to beneficial to so many citizens. no doubt area gangs and other low-lifes will be quite pleased if the tax is eliminated. lawmakers need to focus their attention on issues that really matter.
	Report Comment Doven, Tulsa (12/16/2008 1:06:24 PM) The only thing we need to be taxed on is our wages. They dont need to tax everything we touch. The only people they need to impose gun control on is the bad guys. That is where they need to aim there focus. Leave americans and the few rights to freedom we have left alone. The government does not need to babysit americans. They need to babysit each other.
	Report Comment Doven, Tulsa (12/16/2008 1:17:26 PM) I wonder if Rep. Eric Proctor can get us our right to freedom of speech on the Tulsa World site????
	Report Comment Few Clothes, Austin, TX (12/16/2008 1:41:09 PM) This subject is always interesting as far as seeing the comments. It's entertaining.
	Report Comment Angry Citizen!, Bluejacket (12/16/2008 2:08:23 PM) It's a nice gesture....
	Report Comment PayPay, (12/16/2008 2:23:53 PM) I totally agree with Doven. When we get a paycheck, taxes are taken out. Then everything we buy, we pay taxes on it again. I know it all goes to different things, such as IRS, State, ect, but that is double taxing us as workers. The people that are legitimate in owning a gun, go through the process of the back ground check, ect. The bad ones just buy them off the street where sales tax isn't present. It will still be the same thing to them.
	Report Comment zzx375, BA (12/16/2008 4:43:54 PM) "Ammo tax - another winger fear spam.... " Did I misread the article or does the measure's author have a "D" after his name?
	Report Comment Eric, Tulsa (12/16/2008 6:39:26 PM) What the....??? "As Americans, we should not have to pay a tax to exercise our constitutional rights — especially our Second Amendment rights," said Rep. Eric Proctor, D-Tulsa. Hey - does anyone see the FOLLY in this dudes' statement? I mean, come on - if we're going to get rid of ANY one tax, it should the grocery tax. You can't eat guns. And food doesn't kill people (well, okay - maybe those grease-bombs at that local burger joint which will remain unnamed).
	Report Comment oldrustytulsa, Tulsa (12/16/2008 7:03:08 PM) What did Obama say, about ignorant small town Americans, clinging to their faith in their God, and their Guns.Now he really did say that.
	Report Comment Tulsan4ever, (12/16/2008 7:40:43 PM) An elected official who supports your 2nd rights, is prolife, and supports the working class. Sounds like just what oklahomans want. AND he has authored legislation to eliminate the sales tax on groceries, but the Republican leadership killed it. Wake up Oklahoma!!!!
	Report Comment loudshirt, (12/16/2008 9:15:42 PM) Emotional Sting, your comment "no doubt area gangs and other low-lifes will be quite pleased if the tax is eliminated." Is quite funny. So everyone that buys a gun is a low life? Oh and most of your gang members and other criminals dont pay taxes on ther STOLEN guns.
	Report Comment StarKing, Muncie (12/16/2008 9:45:29 PM) Ignatz, Broken Bow (12/16/2008 12:50:45 PM) said: "Geez...you guys and your guns! What would Freud say?" Sigmund Freud would/did say: "A fear of weapons is a sign of retarded sexual and emotional maturity." ("General Introduction to Psychoanalysis," S. Freud)

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