Re: Externalities (was Re: Gun census Tally: Sun, Dec.21, WAS:Re

Warrl kyree Tale'sedrin (warrl@blarg.net)
Tue, 23 Dec 1997 00:45:27 -0800


> From: Keith Elis <hagbard@ix.netcom.com>

<clip>

>Shouldn't the
> price of purchasing a firearm mirror the increased risk to self, and
> others even if only accidental harms are involved?

The problem with this proposal is that it identifies no source of
funding for the necessary payments.

Most people who acquire a firearm and get basic training in its use
and care, slightly DEcrease the risk to themselves, and thus under
this proposal should be paid.

Some people SUBSTANTIALLY decrease the risk to themselves, and thus
should be paid a lot.

My counterproposal is that said decrease in risk is payment enough;
but we certainly shouldn't tax guns or otherwise penalize people for
being concerned for their safety.

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