I’ve long suspected (“suspected” as in I hadn’t set out to prove it, though I knew for sure anyway) that many of our gun restriction laws were vigorously supported by the gun industry. It’s the only explanation for some of the import restrictions, and it makes sense to explain licensing requirements for manufacturers– protection for the established companies against cheap imports and upstart competitors, respectively. This motivated American companies, and even the NRA, to get into bed with the anti-rights movement. Add to that the government’s multi million dollar contracts potentially held over company’s heads, and you have an extremely powerful influence against liberty. I bring this up because this sort of thing has been going on all throughout our society for, well, essentially forever.
Researching an answer for a customer, which is something I spend a lot of my time doing, I came across this (emphasis mine);
“The patent on the M1 carbine was owned by Western Cartridge Co. and David “Carbine” Williams, and still in effect when Penney and Arnold wanted to begin manufacturing M1 carbines in 1958. Penney and Arnold contacted Winchester-Western and offered them a percentage per carbine manufactured, in return for permission to manufacture the M1 carbine. John Olin, owner of Winchester-Western, refused. Olin, Winchester-Western, and more than a few other American manufacturers were opposed to all of the surplus weapons being returned to the United States, where they were being sold at prices the manufacturers couldn’t compete with. This opposition eventually led the manufacturers and the National Rifle Association to support the Gun Control Act of 1968, which, amongst many other things, prohibited the importation of U.S. military surplus.“
The capitalist in me, which comprises my entire being, says; “Why didn’t Winchester and other manufacturers buy up all the cheap imports, then, or at least strike a deal with the new company?” But some obvious questions often go unanswered, or un-asked.
Point being; a huge number of the vast mountain of restrictions and barriers to entry into the marketplace we have now, started with a politician getting into bed with someone in business, and working out a deal.
What to do about it? First be aware of it. Then understand that our government was set up, partly, to avoid this sort of thing. Hence I lay the majority of the blame on the corrupt operators in our government. There will always be one person willing to sell out his country for money, but government is specifically charged with protecting liberty. Tar and feathers, anyone? And be aware of what your favorite advocacy group is really doing before you give them money.
Like this:
Like Loading...