NH Taxes

[Garcia]

Originally Posted by Major

Garcia, what you fail to realize is that we have already compromised. There are many, many restrictions and laws on gun ownership, most of which are state laws. Try owning a gun in Mass. Not an easy process. Mandatory training and then left to the discretion of the local police. Like I said above, we have less rules and regulations for voting, which isn't even a constitutional right.

The left's version of compromise is confiscation, and both of us know that is ultimately the goal. Whenever I've bought guns, I've been through a background check. What more do you want? The issue is mental health, and mental health patients have rights in today's world. Limiting my rights as a gun owner doesn't achieve your purpose. Doesn't make the world safer, and in the end, is a limitation on liberty.

Everyone on both extremes of this and so many other issues thinks exactly like this in that they think they already compromised too much and it is the other side that is the problem. Extreme conservativism and extreme liberalism are two sides of the same coin.

But then again, that's why I think this is such a great country. We can have strong polarizing views, we can disagree, and we have the power to elect those people we think will best represent us.

[Major]

Originally Posted by Garcia

Everyone on both extremes of this and so many other issues thinks exactly like this in that they think they already compromised too much and it is the other side that is the problem. Extreme conservativism and extreme liberalism are two sides of the same coin.

But then again, that's why I think this is such a great country. We can have strong polarizing views, we can disagree, and we have the power to elect those people we think will best represent us.

Explain to me how the left has compromised. We have a Constitutional amendment that is pretty clear. No restrictions, no boundaries. Gun owners have given, given and given.

The issue is that the left has absolutely no legal standing for its positions on this issue. Anything beyond unfettered, unregulated gun ownership is a compromise from the right. Background checks are a compromise. Training courses are a compromise. Registering with the local police department is a compromise.

Again, exactly how has the left compromised on this issue?

[Garcia]

Originally Posted by Major

Explain to me how the left has compromised. We have a Constitutional amendment that is pretty clear. No restrictions, no boundaries. Gun owners have given, given and given.

The issue is that the left has absolutely no legal standing for its positions on this issue. Anything beyond unfettered, unregulated gun ownership is a compromise from the right. Background checks are a compromise. Training courses are a compromise. Registering with the local police department is a compromise.

Again, exactly how has the left compromised on this issue?

A well regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed.

This statement has been interpreted very differently by individuals, states, and the judicial branch over the centuries. It's only within the past 10 years or so (District of Columbia v. Heller, 2008) that the Supreme Court in a 5-4 decision recognized the right of a citizen to own a gun for self protection.

This has been a contentious issue since our country was founded - which is one reason it is the Second Amendment and not in the original text of the Constitution.

So again, while I hear your point, there are many on the opposite side of the issue who feel all they have done is compromise (allow handguns, concealed carry, semi automatic guns, individuals, etc).

My main point (my opinion, of course) is that the extreme right and the extreme left each spend too much time blaming the other and are equally to blame for a lack of meaningful dialogue. As an example, I feel that hardcore Bernie supporters in the 2016 election and hardcore Trump supporters had more in common than either side was willing to admit to (the system is rigged, Washington is ineffective, the middle class is being shut out, etc.). Yet, they are venomous in their attacking of each other.

[Garcia]

In closing I need to follow Maxum's plan - get out of work, away from my computer, and out on the water! Have a great Memorial Day weekend everyone!