Also, we must remember the FUNDAMENTAL ATTITUDE that Pikesville (the MSP) takes toward firearms ownership of citizens as evidenced by the terminology they use in their procedures and in statute.
When you apply to purchase a "regulated firearm" in MD, if you pass the background investigation, the dealer is not notified by MSP that you are "approved" for purchase.
They are notified that you are "NOT DISAPPOROVED".
There are only TWO answers that MSP gives when doing a background check for firearms purchases in MD--"disapproved" (meaning you are rejected, because you somehow are a "prohibited person"), and "NOT DISAPPROVED" (meaning it's OK to sell you a gun).
NOWHERE in MD law, or in the procedures of the MSP's purchase investigation policy does it say that they will ever "approve" a firearms purchase by a citizen.
Perhaps this is because the MD Constitution has no RKBA clause, and therefore does not recognize this fundamental human right. The State feels in it's cold sociopathic heart that it simply can NOT "approve" of anyone but cops and military owning guns, so it uses this little linguistic ploy to re-enforce this mindset that gun ownership is subject to the whim of the State, and that even if you are "allowed" to purchase a firearm, you're still not really "approved" to have it--it's just that they can't come up with a concrete reason to restrict your rights at that specific time...
Remember, folks--words have MEANING and POWER. They create the illusory reality under which societies sometimes function. And the "reality" in Maryland is that unless you are part of some super-secret-squirrelly handshake club of the wealthy and well-connected, you are NOT seen as a real human being with rights and dignity, and any "rights" you have are extended to you only begrudgingly by the State, until they can dream up a reason to restrict them...
I hate this state. The laws make no sense--not just gun laws, but vehicle registration laws, business law, tax laws, even the laws that regulate tobacco and alcohol make absolutely NO SENSE in MD unless you accept the premise that the entirety of the MD Criminal Code is designed to protect criminal enterprises, perpetuate the oligarchical ruling class, oppress the poor, the disenfranchised, the ignorant and those who are not "connected", and punish and entrap honest, hard-working, Freedom-loving citizens.
That, dear friends is the only logical explanation for the state of the legal system in the PRM.
And due the fact that the citizens of this state have been innundated with propaganda, oppression, and brutality at the hands of their "government" non-stop for nearly 350 years, the majority of the residents here actually BELIEVE that they are untrustworthy of having these fundamental human rights, and that the State MUST keep it's boot heel on the necks of the People to keep them "in line".
"Jim Crow" works two ways, folks. And in the eyes of the MD government and MD LE, the slaves never really got their freedom, they just got loose. And sadly, most citizens here actually agree with that concept.
They should change the state flag to a pointy white cone with two holes in it, and the State Song should be changed to "Pikesville Uber Alles". Then at least there would be some honesty in MD government...
