I am writing to express my sincere disappointment at how lawful gun owners are treated in this state.
Ever year, it seems, we are subjected to increasingly Draconian gun laws that are in direct conflict with the Second Amendment (which the Supreme Court has held to be an individual right for the law abiding to own and carry firearms for self defense — Heller vs. DC).
If I may quote a Supreme Court in Murdock v. Pennsylvania, “No State shall convert a liberty into a privilege, license it, and charge a fee therefore.”
Once again we are seeing one of the most law abiding sections of society being burdened by gun-laws that have been proven time and time again to be completely ineffective at stopping crime.
Regarding the1994 to 2004 “assault weapons ban,” the CDC found “… insufficient evidence to determine the effectiveness of any of the firearms laws reviewed for preventing violence.”
The most hated gun in America, by those who are against guns, the AR-15, is also the most commonly sold rifle in the United States.
Out of the near 400 murders in Maryland in 2011, only three were committed using a rifle.
I do not believe that any were committed with an AR-15 nor a “large capacity magazine.”
I would like to hear why it is necessary to limit me, a law abiding citizen, to a smaller capacity magazine when larger magazines are rarely ever used in crime, and would certainly not be used in crime by someone like me.
This brings me to my next major complaint. I have a completely clean mental and criminal background. I have never even been convicted of speeding.
In order to apply for a Maryland Handgun permit, I have been fingerprinted, interviewed by the State Police, submitted photographs, submitted mental health and medical information, and so on down the list.
I even hold Designated Firearm Collector status with the Maryland State Police Firearms Enforcement Division. I also hold a Federal Firearms License.
I have permits to carry a firearm in roughly 30 states. Still, my permit to carry in this state has not been issued, even after federal courts have ruled the current application process to be unconstitutional.
Does anyone in the state really think that preventing a law abiding person like me from being able to carry a firearm legally protects the people of Maryland?
If carry-laws were a danger, then why have we not seen violence in any of the states that touch Maryland, all of whom allow me to legally carry a concealed firearm?
Please, take a step back from the emotion and the rhetoric. Look at the history of gun laws in this nation. Look at the crime statistics.
If you take an honest look at the facts, I assure you that you will soon come to treasure the Second Amendment as I am sure you treasure the First, Fourth, and Fifth Amendments.
James H. Mangle
Westminster
Letters
Maryland mistreats law-abiding gun owners
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Why have the media been silent all this time?
When I read the Cumberland Times-News Editorial this morning, Friday, May 17, entitled, “Outrageous,” I laughed like a kid at a birthday party!
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What are chances this much money will be spent on road?
I was intrigued by cost data summarized in reporter Kathy Mellott’s recent article, “Completing southern link of U.S. Route 219 said to be best use of highway funds,” which appeared in the Cumberland Times-News on Tuesday May 14 (Page 1A).
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School board should be doing better job with less money
The Allegany County Teachers Association (ACTA) board of directors recently submitted a letter to the editor asking the Allegany County commissioners to fully fund the Board of Education’s budget request for the upcoming fiscal year (“Commissioners should fund school board request,” April 29 Times-News).
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Were they really good old days? You decide
When a fellow gets old, it’s not unusual for his mind to wander back to the days of his youth. He may forget where he laid his glasses five minutes ago, yet he can remember events that took place a half a century ago. This is one of the interesting things of old age.
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Wearing the poppy tells others people that you remember
On May 25, members of Farrady Unit 24 American Legion Auxiliary, Frostburg, will once again ask the citizens of the community to remember the sacrifices our veterans have made.
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Donating your old bike will help someone who really needs it
Once again Bikes for the World is collecting used bicycles at Canal Place, May 25 from 10 a.m. to noon,
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Hosting Fresh Air Children can be a memorable experience
I got a phone call, and a little voice said, “Hi Miss Linda, I’m calling to wish you a Happy Mother’s Day.”
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Stop buying licenses; let them find the money somewhere else
A few months ago, I received two cards from the National Rifle Association. These were dealing with a legislative alert.
They asked that I should contact Sen. George Edwards and Delegate Kevin Kelly concerning the anti-gun legislation. -
Strength of gun laws is not reflected in grisly statistics
According to the FBI’s uniform crime reports, California had the highest number of gun murders in 2011 with 1,220, which makes up 68 percent of all murders in the state that year and equates to 3.25 murders per 100,000 people.
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‘Forgotten warrior’ not forgotten
The Korean War is often called “The Forgotten War.” My generation remembers the Battle for LZ X-Ray at Ia Drang, The Tet Offensive, and Khe Sahn of the Vietnam War.
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Why have the media been silent all this time?
