Contains Opinion of the Writer

According to Western Journal, The ISO announced Friday that it was creating a new merchant code for gun sales. Such stores had formerly been classified as dealers in “general merchandise,” according to Fox Business.

However, a new code will show where a purchase was made and the amount, but not the item purchased when the buyer uses a card. Of course, Visa, Mastercard, and American Express have said they will abide by the new rule.

ISO(International Organization for Standardization) is an independent, non-governmental international organization with a membership of 167 national standards. Through its members, it brings together experts to share knowledge and develop voluntary, consensus-based, market-relevant International Standards that support innovation and provide solutions to global challenges.

Democrats are hailing the step as a good thing. “This approval is an important step towards improving coordination with law enforcement and preventing gun violence,” Democratic Sen. Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts said, according to The New York Times. “In order for this new merchant code to be maximally effective, every financial institution and payment system needs to step up and put it to use.”

However, not all are happy with the intrusive move as it does infringe on the Second Amendment right, in my opinion.

According to Fox Business, National Rifle Association spokesman Lars Daleside said, “The [industry’s] decision to create a firearm-specific code is nothing more than a capitulation to anti-gun politicians and activists bent on eroding the rights of law-abiding Americans one transaction at a time.”

I think it is a good idea we begin purchasing goods and services with cash as we can. This move is but a taste of what we will experience should we go to a cashless society.