By Robert Laurie ——Bio and Archives--April 19, 2016
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The number of full-time jobs in the firearms industry increased from about 166,000 in 2008 to nearly 288,000, according to a new report from the National Shooting Sports Foundation, or NSSF. That represents a 73 percent increase. The NSSF estimates that the gun industry currently has a total economic impact of nearly $50 billion. That’s up 158 percent from $19.1 billion in 2008. Wages in the industry rose 126 percent over the same time period. The average industry worker now receives $50,180 between wages and benefits. The gun industry has also generated record amounts of tax revenue for both the federal government and state governments in the past eight years. In 2015, the federal government collected $3.7 billion in tax revenue, an increase of 144 percent since 2008. State governments saw nearly double the tax revenue over the same period. Excise taxes are also up 92 percent.So, congratulations President Obama. You may not view this as a win, but we can assure you that 2nd Amendment supporters do. Strong-arm gun control is rapidly becoming the new third rail of politics, and you weren't afraid to touch it. Today, your usual detractors applaud your success! Next up, we have the very real threat of a Hillary presidency. She's interested in a punitive sales tax on guns, "assault weapons" bans, and suing gun manufacturers into oblivion. Just think of the sales spike she'll cause as she tries - and fails - to achieve her anti-2A goals...
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