I wanted to provide you with some first-hand info pertaining to Gov. Martin O’Malley’s anti-gun bill. I and four others went to witness the hearing and see what truly was being said.
Upon arrival in downtown Annapolis we were extremely and happily surprised! So proud is an understatement! Thousands had come out to show their opposition to both bills. The number I received in an email from Delegate Don Dwyer was approximately 4500 people.
My good friend Jeff Conner had prepared a statement against the bill and had planned to read it in the hearing. However, after we waited in line, and sat for 10 hours or so, time ran out.
We did hear from citizens from all over Maryland and all walks of life. Some of the groups represented included: single mothers, fathers, farmers, business owners, housewives and sportsmen, along with firearms manufacturers, lawyers, retired troopers, active law enforcement and victims of violent crimes.
The opposition to the anti-gun bills was overwhelming. My best estimate was 80 percent against the bill and 20 percent in favor at most.
The supply of speakers in favor of the bill ran out within the first few hours, while opposition speakers spoke until approximately 9:15 p.m. Hundreds did not get to speak.
One point that was made over and over was people have the right to bear arms and the right to defend themselves and their homes and families from criminals and tyranny.
Many interesting statistics were available, and I was surprised to hear the numbers. More people in Maryland are killed each year from hands and feet than rifles! More women want to the right to carry.
Citizens are fed up with the state government intruding into their lives. In addition, the gun laws on the books now are some of the toughest in the nation! We do not need more!
One Maryland-based gun manufacturer alone paid over $37 million in state taxes. This manufacturer employs 400 people. If the bill passed, they would simply leave the unfriendly business state of Maryland and move elsewhere.
So, in short, I saw huge support for our Second Amendment and minimal support for more gun laws.
Enforcement of existing laws is needed, and if you are a gun owner, lock up your firearms. Keep them safe and out of reach of criminals and out of the hands of the mentally ill.
Teach your children to be responsible and show them how to safely use a firearm. Safety training is available and a gun safe is a sure way to help prevent an accident.
More, today, than ever, self-defense and home defense is a growing concern. I believe every legal law- abiding Maryland citizen has the right to own and or carry a firearm.
I am a firm believer in our Second Amendment. I also oppose any new laws O’Malley or President Obama care to cough up restricting our Second Amendment. Be it high-capacity magazines or semi-automatic firearms, neither of these inanimate objects has ever killed anyone.
“Someone” pulled the trigger. Hold that “someone” responsible, not the citizens.
Sid Turner
Avilton
Letters
Thousands supported the Second Amendment
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