Gun control, not revenue, is the intent of the tax. Tagging it to health care funding just gussies it up:
"If approved by the Cook county commission, the nation's third most populous county could be the first major metropolitan area in the nation to impose a tax as a form of gun control, according to the Law Center to Prevent Gun Violence. "
The same public policy philosophy (nationwide and worldwide) applies to cigarettes and alcohol, some states (ie CA) much more than others, which is of course the weakness of the policy. People can usually drive to a more favorable location (ie NV). Costs gas though. There is a reliable human trait in play. People who need or want something badly enough will buy it at whatever the cost. This is viewed by public policy advocates as a win/win. They either get higher tax revenue or a predictable behavior modification objective. As in all such things, people have the power of the ballot box. If that fails to change things, that's life in our republic. I've learned to accept what I cannot change. The "people" have spoken. If I really can't stand it I move. Done that a few times.
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