Event: 1st Open Holster Day in Annapolis, to protest Maryland’s lack of “Shall Issue” for law abiding citizens.
When: August 1st, 2009 (Time 12 Noon until 6:00pm)
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. (SEE BELOW FOR UPDATE) 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.
Basic Safety Rules: All holsters must remain empty at all times. Do not put toy guns, training guns or the like in your holster. We want to emphasize the emptiness of the holsters and our lack of protection. We do not want any misunderstanding with local officials (See below). The holster will simply be a fashion accessory, symbolizing our vulnerability to criminals.
Getting the Word Out: Letters will be sent to local Law Enforcement Agencies notifying them of the event and to presence of our empty holsters. Additional notification will be sent to the Governor, the Attorney General and select Legislators.
Long Term: We intend to have additional Open Holster days, in Annapolis and other areas in Maryland. The plan is to build on each Open Holster day, gathering more protesters to join us next Spring, during the Legislative session, to take the protest to the next “Shall Issue" bill hearing. Join us, make friends and help the movement to get Shall Issue Conceal Carry in Maryland.
I plan to be at the end of Main Street @ the Docks from 12 till 1 or so. Please stop by and introduce yourself. I will take pictures of the empty holsters so we can send them to our legislators during the next session!
Come and Join Us!
Bring Your Family
When: August 1st, 2009 (Time 12 Noon until 6:00pm)
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. (SEE BELOW FOR UPDATE) 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.
Basic Safety Rules: All holsters must remain empty at all times. Do not put toy guns, training guns or the like in your holster. We want to emphasize the emptiness of the holsters and our lack of protection. We do not want any misunderstanding with local officials (See below). The holster will simply be a fashion accessory, symbolizing our vulnerability to criminals.
Getting the Word Out: Letters will be sent to local Law Enforcement Agencies notifying them of the event and to presence of our empty holsters. Additional notification will be sent to the Governor, the Attorney General and select Legislators.
Long Term: We intend to have additional Open Holster days, in Annapolis and other areas in Maryland. The plan is to build on each Open Holster day, gathering more protesters to join us next Spring, during the Legislative session, to take the protest to the next “Shall Issue" bill hearing. Join us, make friends and help the movement to get Shall Issue Conceal Carry in Maryland.
I plan to be at the end of Main Street @ the Docks from 12 till 1 or so. Please stop by and introduce yourself. I will take pictures of the empty holsters so we can send them to our legislators during the next session!
Come and Join Us!
Bring Your Family
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