Gun ownership is guaranteed in our Constitution. The Constitution does NOT guarantee food on the table, children's schools, or insurance plans. It seems that most "taxing" that happens ignores the Constitution.
Intelligent people are concerned about putting food on the table, their children's education, and their families' health care. They don't depend on the federal government to take care of those things for them. Whatsoever the government giveth, it can also taketh away.
I disagree. I see paying taxes as an investment of sorts (perhaps a bad one?) and if I'm going to pay taxes, I want something in return for my investment. Otherwise, it's wasteful taxation.
If I'm paying taxes for public schools, I want to see kids get a quality education.
If I'm paying taxes for roads and bridges, I want roads and bridges to be in good shape using that money.
If I'm paying taxes for public assistance of any kind, I want better oversight to ensure that public assistance isn't abused.
If I'm paying taxes for Medicare/Medicaid, I would rather see both eliminated and replaced by national health care.
We will never agree but as long as I'm paying taxes, I want something back from it.
Where else does government get money?
As for the second amendment, with the financial crisis and rumors of martial law, I think it's a good idea to hold onto it. You never know what's going to happen next and it's not a good idea to dis-arm citizens.
However, food, healthcare and education still take priority over gun rights for me and always will.