mbraynard, one other thing:
It’s the “categorical” thing that bugs me the most. With the exception of a few, very limited restrictions, my ability, a citizen with no criminal record, to practice my religion, speak my mind, or practice my religion is without limit or restriction.
My ability to keep and carry arms is highly restricted. I cannot bear arms w/out getting sign-off from the government in an expensive and time-consuming manner. Even, after jumping through the hoops in my state, I cannot carry arms in many states. Many states in the Northeast are “may issue” which means they can deny my 2A rights for any or no reason.
The feds stuck the above paragraph in my eye with this brief.
The background check takes about 5 minutes and I don't remember there being a surcharge. You are right about the carry issues in the various states, though some (VT) are excellent.