imported post
they already responded. I pretty much posted a "give it up @#$%s, you're gonna lose next year".
http://www.discussion.maryland.gov/?p=46&cpage=3#comment-320
Gray Peterson says:
August 18, 2009 at 4:14 am Your response is quaint and nice. However, understand that as soon as June of 2010, Maryland State Police’s issuance policy will be under attack. Your issuance policy is completely indefensible. If Maryland State law was like what it was before 1972, when the Legislature banned the open carrying of firearms in response to rioters in Baltimore in the Late 1960’s, your law would survive constitutional scrutiny since you could still open carry. However, since you can’t carry openly or concealed in Maryland without permit to wear a handgun, Maryland State Police must issue for self defense, or else face a civil rights action which would cost the state tens of thousands or possibly hundreds of thousands of dollars.
I’m not going to say that it violates the Second Amendment. The statements on this comment board saying that it does misses the point.
McDonald v. City of Chicago is likely going to be heard by SCOTUS, and if it applies either due process or Privileges/Immunities incorporation via the 14th amendment to the states and localities, then MSP must change their issuance policy.
So my question to you, Mr. Governor, is how much taxpayer money are you willing to spend on the indefensible? Are you going to do the responsible thing and start issuing licenses as soon as
McDonald comes down the pike ruling for incorporation? Or are you going to act stupidly and try to “fight the good fight” against the civil liberties of the residents of your state and other states who apply for a permit to wear a handgun?