2AF – Page 2 – Fill Yer Hands

Alan Gura and the Second Amendment Foundation won another battle today, as a Federal judge ruled that Maryland’s “may issue” concealed permit law, which required that citizens show a “good and substantial reason” why they need a gun for self defense, is unconstitutional.

Quoting U.S. District Judge Benson Everett Legg:

“A citizen may not be required to offer a ‘good and substantial reason’ why he should be permitted to exercise his rights. The right’s existence is all the reason he needs.”

Amen.

+++++

How long until the other “may issue” states’ laws go by the same way?

I am reminded of when I received my first concealed carry permit in Alabama. After everything was set, the Sheriff stuck his head out from his office, and looked me over, and approved the permit.

I didn’t think much of it at the time, because I didn’t know much about “may issue” and “shall issue” permits. But now I know that Alabama is a “may issue” state, meaning, the Sheriff has the last word on who does and does not get a permit. I guess I got lucky.

Of course, I’m white, which may have been a lot of the luck I needed.

If you read anything about shooting other than this blog, you know our Second Amendment rights are under attack like never before, even as more and more Supreme Court decisions confirm the self-defense right of the individual, and more and more states and localities do away with outmoded restrictions based on fear and mis-information.

That’s why it’s more important than ever that all shooters are members of the shooting rights organizations that are fighting for those rights.

The National Rifle Association is the 800 pound gorilla of the gun rights world. Say what you will about the politics and controversy, but you have to agree that when they call, they get appointments, and people listen. If you don’t like their constant stream of solicitations, do like I do – drop them in the recycle bin. But keep your membership current, or, do like I did 15 years ago. Use their extended payment plan to become a Life Member. Yes, they will continue to ask you to upgrade, but now you don’t have to do it, and you get a gun magazine every month for the rest of your life.

The Second Amendment Foundation is the group responsible for the Heller and McDonald Supreme Court cases, as well as the Ezell ruling which will eventually overturn the Chicago gun ban. This kind of work takes money, and $15 a year is well worth it.

But don’t stop there. Tip O’Neill once said that all politics is local, and that’s true in gun rights as well. Join your state gun rights group, and any local groups in your area.

I was going to put together a list of the state gun rights groups, but I found there is a great list on the lower right of the links on the main page at The Gun Wire. Check it out. Join.

WHY JOIN GUN RIGHTS GROUPS?
or
WHY DO YOU GIVE YOUR MONEY TO LOBBYISTS?

I’m asked that all the time. Here’s my answer.

The First Amendment says

Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.

Emphasis mine

I don’t have the time or money to go to Atlanta or Washington and talk to all the people who can take away my gun rights.

But I can join with millions of others, and put our money together, and pay them to do it for us.

It’s our right. And if the person I’m talking with respects my First Amendment right, then respecting the Second Amendment should follow.