Taxing Bullets

* Sen. Daniel Patrick Moynihan (D-N.Y.) has introduced bills that would ban nine-millimeter, .32-caliber and .25-caliber ammunition, and failing that, would increase taxes on ammunition 50% to 10,000% (Nov. 4). These ideas for “revenue enhancement” would help pay for Mrs. President’s health care.

Yet he is failing in trying to tax other areas that are far more responsible for more preventable deaths in the U.S. Tobacco, poor diet/activity patterns and alcohol are the direct cause of more than 800,000 deaths each year, according to the Journal of the American Medical Assn. I haven’t seen any new taxes on these causes. Sen. Moynihan, if you are trying to outlaw guns, then say so. Don’t hide behind Hillary Clinton’s ill-conceived health plan. But don’t be surprised if you help the National Rifle Assn. grow in membership by your attempts to disarm law-abiding citizens. I am a proud member and will support any attempts to limit criminals instead of adding to the 2,000-plus gun laws currently in effect.

LLOYD A. JOHNSON SR.

West Covina

* I am in opposition to your editorial “Banning, Taxing Ammo: Can’t Hurt” (Nov. 15) for numerous reasons. Excessive taxation to remove an item from commerce is an abuse of the taxation power of government and is a very dangerous, multi-edged tool once unsheathed. Remember that many different entities have the right to tax. Shall we next tax the tools used in abortions?

BILL ELLIS

Culver City