Peaceful Rally Scheduled For August 1
We just received notice of a peaceful protest scheduled for August 1 to voice the opinion that the requirements to carry a concealed weapon ought to be reduced.
Purpose: To have a large, completely peaceful and unarmed gathering of supporters of “Shall Issue” laws in Maryland.
We will be wearing empty holsters in protest of the current “Discretionary Issue” system that sees Handgun Carry Permits issued only to those politically connected or dealing in extraordinarily large amounts of physical cash or the occasional person who can meet the impossibly high burden of proof needed to receive one for self defense.
How to Participate: This is a completely grass-roots event. There will be no formal meeting place. The intent is to have a nice day with the family and friends in Annapolis, shopping, eating and sight seeing while wearing, in plain sight, an empty holster . You will know others participating in the protest by their open holsters. Stop, introduce yourself and make a new friend. We will provide a flyer that you can hand out to anyone curious as to why you carry an empty holster .
The notice referenced the website, Maryland Shall Issue. For more information, you can also visit the Facebook page.
What are your thoughts? Do we need more concealed weapons permits issued? Are we unnecessarily blocking the civil right to bear arms to some citizens?
Thanks for the coverage. The organizers of this have done a great job and we look forward to supporting it.
I plan on attending this event and am also grateful to see it getting some coverage as well. Self defense is a human right!
It is a right. We just need to find out how to control the bad guys–my suggestion is to start with the judges. You do something bad with a gun-you do the time!
Agree?
I also agree with the US Senate decision on carry permits. States need to make their own rules and if you want to carry in a state, you need to abide by their rules. If they will accept a CWP from a specific state and not another, that’s ok. All about responsible gun ownership.
Your own state doesn’t trust you to defend yourself and your family from criminals. Something is wrong here. The Supreme Court of the United States recognizes that it isn’t up to the police to protect us. It’s time our leaders recognize this, too.
Make Maryland a “shall issue” state!
It’s interesting to note that over 40 of our sister states have “shall issue” or other carry laws that allow law abiding citizens to carry a concealed weapon to defend themselves and their families. There has been no “wild west” shoot out in any of these states. Law abiding citizen are just that, Law Abiding.
People in these “shall issue” States that choose to carry a concealed weapon go through a background check and are typically required to take a training course in firearms handling. Upon meeting those requirements they are issued a carry permit. There are extensive reports that show these armed citizens have been able to thwart crimes and protect themselves and others by having a concealed weapon with them. Often without ever having to fire a shot.
Each year several bills are introduced in Maryland, some with over 40 co-sponsors, which would repeal the requirement that a Maryland Citizen provide “good and substantial” proof that he or she has a requirement to protect themselves. Every year these bills get tabled or “desk drawer vetoed” by the chairmen of the House and Senate Judiciary committees before they can even receive a fair hearing.
It’s time Maryland recognizes that as human beings and citizens of this great nation we have the inherent right to protect ourselves. It’s time for Maryland to live up to it’s nickname “The Free State” and join the majority of our sister states and commonwealths in enacting a “shall issue” carry permit law.
The courts have upheld, that the police have no duty to protect individuals. The only way to get a permit (after completing the required training) is that you carry large amounts of money, or have a bonfide reason with documentation. So far the Maryland state police have not found a bonafide reason, with people who apply have documented death threats or threats against their families.
Having Maryland change the laws to shall issue, for law-abiding, trained citizens will help augment the deterrence to crime. This has just this past month happened in the Richmond Golden Market located in Ocean City, saving the store owners life.
When seconds matters, you should be able to rely on your own judgment.
Thank-you for the attention to our cause! How many times must we hear stories of peoples’ homes being invaded, people being held up coming out of Arundel Mills mall, liquor store & convienience store workers being shot during robberies.The police cannot be everywhere to protect us, don’t we have the right to protect ourselves?
Thanks for the support! As one of the organizers, I hope that we have a big turnout. We are planning additional Protests leading up to the next Legislative session and a “Shall Issue” vote. Come be part of history!
The carry requirements are outrageous and it is time for a change!
Maryland carry requirements are outrageous and they need to be revised!