By Stacy Mayer, Chief Legislative Officer
Gun safety experts, as well as most Marylanders, agree that these are common sense steps we can take to keep families safe and reduce gun violence in Maryland. Nevertheless, there are some, including gun manufacturers, who will oppose any and all efforts to put safety measures in place. They will use scare tactics and misinformation in order to stir up fear and generate opposition to the Governor’s initiatives.
Let me set the record straight:
(1) Our Gun Safety Proposals Are Not Aimed At Hunters and Sportsmen. The Governor understands and respects the traditions of hunters and sportsmen in Maryland. That’s why we explicitly carve out shotguns and rifles from the licensing requirements of our bill.
(2) Our Gun Safety Proposals Would Not Ban Handguns. The bill would not prevent law-abiding Marylanders who want to purchase a handgun to protect themselves or their families from doing so. Our goal is to prevent criminals from getting guns by using straw purchasers, so the bill creates certain licensing requirements for purchasing a handgun. But law-abiding citizens would still be permitted to purchase and own handguns.
(3) Our Gun Safety Proposals Are Consistent with the Constitution. Maryland’s Attorney General analyzed the proposals and determined that they are “constitutional under the Second Amendment,” that “law-abiding gun owners have nothing to fear,” and that our proposals “do not allow for confiscation of guns nor could they” under Supreme Court precedent.http://www.oag.state.md.us/Press/2013/012913.html
The lobbyists for the gun manufacturers want to preserve the status quo and block even common sense gun safety measures. They will spread falsehoods in order to create unwarranted fear. Know the facts: the licensing requirements don’t affect shotguns and rifles, we don’t ban handguns, and the proposals are consistent with the Constitution.
For more information on the bill, clock on the PDF above.
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http://www.upi.com/Top_News/US/2013/02/08/Bulger-used-loophole-to-purchase-guns/UPI-81691360334180/ How in the world can a person on the FBI's Most Wanted list do this? Why don't the Gun Nutters have a problem with this?
It's even funnier that people still make the argument that this foolish meme is the reason we are against any new gun laws.
Since "assault weapons" are so evil, why is DHS using the term "personal defense weapons" in a bid request to purchase 7000 fully automatic M4 battle rifles? https://www.fbo.gov/?s=opportunity&mode=form&id=d791b6aa0fd9d3d8833b2efa08300033&tab=core&_cview=0 The above description and request for bid is for actual assault weapons, the AR platform that many firearms owners are actually personal defense weapons or even sporting rifles.
What "assault weapon" problem exists, other than the problem caused by the spreading of disinformation? If the legislation is passed, what benefit will result? How much will crime be decreased? If unsuccessful, what is the next step? Molon labe
Why was the MD shooting website hit by Denial of Service attacks the day before?. Why is the MD anti gun origination filled with people that are known to use astroturf at rallies? SB281 makes it illegal for people under 21 to possess ammunition. How does this not stop hunters? Yes, say whatever to divide the other side. The original date of the hearings were Feb 8th. Why was it changed? Why did Senator Frosh prevent pro gun people from testifying at the hearings? What will you say when he disagrees with your views and bullys the hearing into denying you the chance to speak your piece.
Translation: our legislation will have no effect on crime. So called "Assault weapons" are used in less than two percent of all gun crime. The bottom line is when they are done, and nothing changes, that will be the excuse to clamp down even more. There is a very simple solution to gun crime. Free non-violent drug offenders and decriminalize or legalize drugs, minimum 10 year sentence for anyone convicted of a violent crime involving gun use, mandatory life in prison for second offense.
I hunt with a "Assault Weapon" . I have torn rotator cuff so I needed something with less recoil. My wife bought me an R-25 for my 50th Birthday. It is the AR-15 in a 308 caliber. I know a lot of people that hunt with the AR Platform , so don't say "Hunters don't use it" 2nd less that 2% of all gun crime. Most are done with hand guns (including sandy hook). Why are we not going after Hollywood? The junk that is on TV is unreal. Even the commercials during prime time family hrs !
You and I both know that if Bulger could not have bought the guns at a gun show, he would have found an illegal way to acquire the weapons. But the liberal way of solving problems like this is to spend first, think later....
http://kdvr.com/2013/02/15/rep-opposition-likely-to-slow-not-prevent-passage-of-new-gun-laws/
What is the "gunshow loophole?" What are "military grade weapons?" How many deaths are attributable annually to this type of weapon, to the extent it even exists? (I can tell you that the FBI says in 2011 323 deaths were caused by rifles of any sort.) What specific results should we expect from the passage of your proposed legislation? Do you have any actual knowledge or are you merely parroting the suggestions of others?
Plus, Colorado has a great concealed carry law and is an OPEN CARRY state. Finally, any politician who votes for this and is not from Denver will be out of a job in the next election. The people of Colorado, outside of Denver - and unlike anyone in Maryland, are very independent people who hate government intrusion in their lives.
You are a pretty arrogant to demand laws be passed to change the laws in a state that is over 1,500 miles away from the crooked state of Maryland. How would you feel if the people of Texas demanded Maryland change their laws.
This is a wonderful and uplifting news conference by the Center for Urban Renewal and Education (CURE): http://www.urbancure.org/mbarticle.asp?id=290&t=Blacks-speak-out-against-gun-control#.USgBCR9i4AY.email
http://marylanderstopreventgunviolence.org/march-1st-rally-to-prevent-gun-violence/