It is clear to me that you worship at the alter of government power, for what reason I don't know. Everything and anything that is passed as a law or regulation is holy writ as far as you're concerned. Well, not me. I believe very firmly that the government was, is and should be set up to maximize our liberties. We should (and once did) have the liberty to do damned near anything we wanted to in this country - so long as our actions didn't impede on anyone else's liberty to do as they wished.
Oh, and YES the entire concept of an FFL and licensing people to buy and sell firearms IS violative of the 2nd Amendment. It is a very well-worn phrase, but what part of "shall not be infringed" don't you understand?
"Well, let's just say that going from 284,000 "dealers" to 54,000 dealers in a very short period of time was my first clue."
Oh, and the fact that they raised the fee from $30 to $200 had nothing to do with that, nor did the fact that the BATF made people prove that they were obeying local zoning ordinances (and why on Earth would the Feds care about local zoning ordnances?).
This is known as "The rule of law".
"Well, not me. I believe very firmly that the government was, is and should be set up to maximize our liberties."
This is known as "The rule of man".
I'll take the rule of law over the rule of man anytime.
"It is a very well-worn phrase, but what part of "shall not be infringed" don't you understand?"
It is my understanding that the FFL requirement does not infringe on the state's ability to form a militia. Perhaps it is you who doesn't understand the second amendment?
"Oh, and the fact that they raised the fee from $30 to $200 had nothing to do with that"
Correct. At least, it wouldn't with a legitimate dealer. That's chump change.
"and why on Earth would the Feds care about local zoning ordnances?"
And why do you care that the feds care? Shouldn't a dealer comply with local ordnances?