Mary Land: Strong Words, Gentle Deeds*, And Don't Come Crying To Us If You Need A Gun Because You're Simply Not Special Enough

"Maryland law requires a “good and substantial reason” for residents to be given a handgun permit, or what other states call a concealed weapons permit, that allows them to wear, carry or transport a handgun outside their property.

A handgun permit is not required to purchase or own a handgun, but a permit is necessary to keep a handgun in a car, a place of employment or to carry it concealed.

Handgun permits come under the jurisdiction of the handgun unit of the Maryland State Police Licensing Division.

The applicant must provide a list of references and a fingerprint card to submit for an FBI record check, along with the reason that he or she needs the permit.

The record check takes 35 to 40 days, according to Cpl. Michael Cusimano, head of the handgun unit.

During this time the police are conducting their own background check and evaluating the reason the applicant has presented for requesting the permit, he said.

The two most common reasons cited on handgun permit applications are a need because of one’s employment and fear for one’s safety.

Security guards, private investigators and corrections officers need to be able to carry a firearm while they do their jobs.

The handgun unit verifies that the applicant does work for the company he or she claims to and that the company recognizes the applicant’s need to carry a weapon.

Fear is a vaguer reason, according to Cusimano, and applicants can have difficulty providing concrete proof that they are in danger.

“Everything in the handgun permit world is gray,” he said.

Applicants must have evidence to prove they are being targeted, whether it’s police reports or first-person descriptions of threats or assaults..."

Interesting how most members of law enforcement will wax loquaciously in admitting to never having to draw and fire a weapon in anger. Fact of the matter is that civilians are targeted for violence far more frequently than police, but in some antique, jerkwater, neanderthal states the locals must PROVE that they are in danger, as if reading the morning newspaper isn't enough proof positive for anyone.

And no, Officer Special Person, throughout the country there's very little grayness associated with concealed carry, but if you do feel this way then why not put your money where your stupidity arises from and turn in yours. Women, children, and the elderly are preyed upon without mercy, are not allowed to protect themselves, but you, Special Person that you are, can, even though law enforcement faces far fewer daily threats. Why? Because, oh clueless wonder, you are armed.

Two more comments; Small of back carry is a godsawful way to traipse about with a handgun, but loads of amateurs, particularly women, are rediscovering it ever since the "stars" of LOST began packing that way.

*And...Marylands motto...Fatti maschii, parole femine...

...used to be translated as Manly Words, Womanly Deeds, but was changed in 2001 just because. Either way, they should just refer to it as Wimpville, USA and get over it.