I never realized O'Malley was related to Curran - and that old Sun article is incredibly disturbing...
It's just another hoop for law abiding citizens to jump through. I personally think its just used as a deterrent to make it "too much hassle" for an on the fence buyer.
It will decrease gun violence just like it has in Baltimore....
I can not understand why the State of Maryland needs sworn personnel to implement the gun licensing schemes in Maryland. Previously, I prepared a report that outlined the methods that could be used to remove all sworn personnel from the Licensing Division. The minimum savings for civilianization of the MD State Police Licensing Division is $1,641,720.00 per year. And 30 troopers (current staffing) is enough to staff an entire special enforcement unit that does nothing but combat violent crime. I can personally tell you the incredible impact that four State Troopers can have when they are allowed to do their jobs. I have seen the impact of violent crime reduction when a new unit was formed that solely targeted gangs. In one area, we went from 22 shootings in 1 year to one shooting in 18 months, using a new enforcement technique. Imagine 30 troopers doing this work.
That's damning. If voting rights were only treated with such disregard, there would be an immediate outcry.The price for the HQL (not counting fingerprinting and training) is $50.00. Does anyone know why it is so expensive? Here are some facts to help you understand.
1) The actual cost of printing the card is $2.06
2) The same exact background check for the 77R is $10.00
3) A Fiscal Impact Analysis was provided to the General Assembly revealing the actual cost to the State Police is estimated at $17.00. In the report, the expenses included the purchase of new police cars, uniforms, computers etc. and to allow for the additional manpower needed to implement the program.
In the words of Shanetta Pascquell, the Legislative representative for O'Malley who helped author FS13, "These stupid mother .....rs will approve anything we ask for if they think it will keep guns off the street. Let's ask for $100.00 and they will ultimately approve $50.00." (She was right by the way) She knew the actual costs but chose to ignore the facts because she "hates guns." (her actual words)
Any administrative cost by Maryland government for any license or permit is not intended to generate revenue but rather cover the costs of administering the program. For any new legislatively approved license, a report is issued to the Maryland General Assembly to help evaluate the costs and set a determined fee. That fee MUST be justified. The legislators ignored this recommendation and set the fee higher than needed. This is yet another reason to support the fight to challenge the HQL. But MSI has not been able to raise enough money and it appears time is running out to initiate the lawsuit.
Also, Federal law allows for a waiver of the NICS check for agencies who have a licensing scheme like the HQL. You need to ask for your legislators to pass a bill that will waive the 1 gun a month, the 7 day wait and additional background check for those who hold and HQL. The State of Maryland could save millions of dollars by the manpower saved. These troopers could then be freed up to actually locate violent criminals. FSA13 took 19 troopers off the road where they could work to reduce violent crime.
Because removing guns from law abiding hands is more important to liberals than taking criminals off the streets...
And also easier.
...And I know a lot of you don't want to hear it, but by complying with such illegal laws, you are playing right into their hands...
Either way, your playing into their hands...catch 22