It doesn't matter what the governments reasoning is. Just because they have a reason doesn't mean it is right. Gas isn't a protected right by the way. it takes money to operate a church. Completely different thing then the government taxing religion. Are there other taxes and surcharges on guns already above and beyond normal sales tax? Yes. does the fact that an injustice exists make further injustice okay? Absolutely not. I don't have the right to affordable transportation. I don't have the right to free health care. I don't have the right to own a house. I don't have the right to smoke. The government can and does tax the poop out of these things masking them unaffordable to many. I do have the right to arm myself if I so chose. and the government shouldn't be taking that right out of my hands by slowly, 10 bucks at a time taxing out out of my reach.
Funny, didn't know I had to have a church to have a religion. Yea, operational costs of owning a firearm, purchase price, ammo costs, accessories, and cleaning supplies...NOT arbitrary taxes by a tyrannical government hell bent on taking my rights away. If anyone thinks this has anything to do with "protecting the children" you are truly blind. Every major massacre in this country has happened in a "gun free zone". But you are right, freedoms really don't come free. They are bought and paid for in blood, and those that have fought for this country, the Constitution, and what it stands for are turning in their graves.
I'm somewhat astounded by people thinking taxes are no big deal. In the last 20 years, my state's revenue has increased by 800% while population has increased 8%. They recently tried (and failed) to raise the sales tax to 10.1%. It would be one thing if we were seeing some value from it, but we're not. We have a 37.5 cent gas tax yet the roads in some urban areas are filled potholes. Taxes are not a patriotic duty, they are a necessary evil however, one thing you can count on is government misspending the money. I honestly believe firearms and ammunition should be tax exempt. Churches get tax breaks for being non profit. The relation of fees and taxes on firearms to the idea of fees and taxes on voting are very appropriate. Not unlike the idea of someone being required to get special media licensing to have their own blog. I shouldn't say that of course lest a politician get ideas.