Topic: Gun Tax

Hunter Biden has reached a plea agreement with federal prosecutors involving two misdemeanor tax charges and a felony gun charge diversion program. Republican lawmakers, led by James Comer, criticize the deal as a "sweetheart deal" and evidence of a two-tiered justice system. The White House maintains that the Department of Justice acted independently throughout the five-year investigation.

The hosts open the program by noting that Americans now spend more on legal cannabis ($30 billion) than on chocolate or guns, though high taxes and banking restrictions continue to bolster the illegal market. A recap of the recent No Agenda meetup in Nashville follows, highlighting the attendance of approximately 100 people and the presence of notable community members like Dame Jennifer and Sir Patrick Scoble.

Federal investigators in Delaware, led by U.S. Attorney David Weiss, are reportedly narrowing their probe into Hunter Biden to focus on delinquent tax payments and a false statement on a gun registration form. While Republicans call for a broader investigation into foreign lobbying and money laundering, media analysts suggest the DOJ may pursue simpler charges to avoid a larger corruption trial. Comparisons are drawn to the prosecution of Paul Manafort for similar foreign financial dealings.

President Biden announced new measures to curtail gun violence, focusing on "ghost guns" and illegal dealers. Meanwhile, negotiations continue on a $1 trillion infrastructure bill. White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki is criticized for suggesting that wealthy Americans "don't pay what they owe" as a justification for avoiding a gas tax.

The Biden administration is reportedly considering a $200 tax on semi-automatic rifles and high-capacity magazines under the National Firearms Act. This would require owners to register fingerprints and photos or surrender their weapons. Critics point out that this effectively creates a tax on middle-class gun owners, contradicting Biden's promise not to raise taxes on those making under $400,000.

The cultural divide between American and European perspectives on gun control is explored, noting the anger triggered in Europeans when the subject is broached. Celebrity Star Jones is criticized for suggesting on a news program that ammunition should cost $5,000 per bullet to deter violence, a concept originally used as a joke by Chris Rock. The effectiveness of mandatory five-year sentences for handgun possession in the UK is debated against the rise of knife-related crimes.