Im inclined to agree that the way to handle this sort of thing is political action. Numbers in person are the way to go, and holding representatives accountable for their voting actions is also the way to go.
Its imperative that websites are created to show who voted for what. I can tell you that from what i've seen in the past, that activism does work. I can tell you that alot of representatives are running scared for their jobs right now, especially the ones who exist in the "swing vote" counties. Its no secret republicans have a hard time winning on the ballot's in some counties in Maryland. However, what some of the democrats are scared of is the fact that they can get voted out and replaced with a different democrat, one that might be more conservative than their liberal leaning, anti gun ways. While alot of people "love voting democrat" there is a growing number of people who are fed up with crime, fed up with high taxes, fed up with the lack of change. Reaching those in the community who are in this position is a way to get the message out.
This bill that passed was a political measure. MOM thinks that by passing this bill, its going to give him a shot at the 2016 presidential ticket. MOM knows that despite it passing, there is going to many fights ahead to keep it in place, as it will be challenged on many grounds throughout the court systems etc. Not only did this bill not have the support of private law abiding citizens, but veterans and the FOP lodges/many law enforcement both active and retired were opposed to this measure. What does it say when law makers don't even listen to the law enforcement in their own state? What does it say when our elected officials ignore veterans and active duty military/reservists who put their lives on the line for this country? This is just a sign of times that through voting and advertisement, grass roots activism these people can be voted out of office. But not just the gun owners can accomplish this.
It will require the work and effort of not only gun owners and supporters themselves, but their families and friends too. Getting out there and showing how dissatisfied you are by spreading the message, getting people involved with the NRA, GOA, MSI, any sort of organization that will help send a strong message to lawmakers. Grassroots facebook, twitter activism like those who stood in line to testify at hearings in Annapolis need to take place more and more. Encouraging gun stores to sell memberships along with firearms purchases to gun rights organizations should also be a priority too. The gun stores, who haven't gotten into the political arena yet, well you need to start. A gun store/range is a great place to start putting up posters for meetings, websites, etc and getting those who enjoy their rights and 2A freedoms involved.
With that being said, 2014 is fast approaching. Its time that those who voted to destroy 2A rights in Maryland are held accountable at the ballot box and get voted out. I can guarantee you that there are quite a few representatives who haven't gotten a good nights sleep since that vote, and for good reason. In 2014, they are going to searching for a new job, because through grass roots activism, change can come to Maryland. The liberals have broken the camels back with this straw, and you can bet they awoke a sleeping giant when it comes to the pro gun crowd, it will bring protests and shakeups like never before. The liberals know this. This is why they could only muster a few people to protest in Annapolis compared to the thousands of pro gun people who showed up to testify against the bill.
I think now is an important time that everyone goes through and figures out who's for and against the 2nd amendment. Its pretty clear now who is for what, and the days of fence sitting is over with after this vote.
I don't think guns or gun owners are being demonized. I think there are a few nuts in the crowd, just like there are a few nuts in the liberals ranks as well. With that being said, everyone should be vigilant to be on the look out for those who are simply installed into the pro gun movement to create controversy, chaos, and simply really don't care about the rights of law abiding citizens, but only seek to make everyone look bad however they see fit.
This isn't something that will simmer down, or "blow over" in time. Its important that we remind the elected officials of whats important to us as voters. Without the 2nd amendment, you have no constitution, you have no rights. There are alot of people who think that in time that things will get better, or gun owners will forget.
For those of you who still live in the state of Maryland, or keep your guns there, my suggestion is now is the time to get your ducks in a row and legal stuff in order. I have a feeling that some anti gun rabid police agencies are going to use this opportunity to serve a whole rash of gun seizing warrants and knock and talks clad in heavily armored vehicles and clothing. Much like the guy from LaPlata who had MSP knock on his door in the middle of the night and accuse him of owning "illegal guns" because they pulled the list of ammunition buyers from the local gun store, and it didn't match the guns he "owned." I would also imagine they didn't learn their lesson as they are now being sued for 20 million for shooting and killing the former army ranger in St. Mary's County after a long standoff. This is how some agencies have chosen to act before the bill, and theres no doubt that after the law takes place that they will seek to turn the many law abiding gun owners into "armed criminals" for probably procedural violations like "not having your fingerprints completed on time" etc, and theres no doubt that they will use those opportunities to serve high risk search warrants on peoples residences to seize such firearms. I hope that this isn't the route they choose to go, as there is plenty of real criminals that require investigating and apprehension throughout the state.
The bill also fails to address alot of the requirements. How will "training" go? The "training" requirements don't seem to be outlined very well. I simply can't see agencies that are run by anti gun liberal leadership like the Prince Georges County Police and Montgomery County PD hosting "gun safety" training for law abiding citizens who choose to own guns.
It did not say what will happen to those who were "emergency petitioned" by police/sheriffs and taken to a psych ward for evaluation. What about those who were found to be sane, yet by the new bill's standards, this type of action will prohibit them from owning firearms, per state law. They have been denied their 5th amendment right to due process by not having any hearing or trial, and in some cases of those who were emergency petitioned its possible that they were falsely taken into custody. For those of you who don't know, Emergency Petition for Mental evaluations can be taken out against someone through the courts, by an individual (anyone) testifying before a judge that you are a threat to yourself or others. The judge then can sign off on the order, and the sheriffs will take that individual into custody. The individual is then transported to the nearest mental health capable facility for further evaluation. Many people are released from commitment without being diagnosed with anything, and are given a clean bill of health. If something was mentally wrong with the individual, then they are held for further evaluation and treatment. This was the state legislatures answer to "mental health issues." Furthermore, this portion of the bill will discourage those who have tough times in their life to seek mental health treatment, because they fear their gun rights will be taken away.
While these are just a few of the issues at hand, I really hope that this bill is repealed. It seems to be another "feel good measure" that simply won't accomplish anything once its all done but tie up the courts with more litigation, cases and lawsuits. I hope that the members of this forum are able to recognize the issues at hand, and how we can positively go out and defeat this encroachment on our 2nd amendment rights.
CommonSenseDMV
Junior Member
Join Date: Apr 2013
Posts: 1
Nice first post.
