Right-to-carry proposal stirs debate in Frederick County(MD)

wtop.com ^ | 2 January, 2011 | Meg Tully

[marktwain]

When former Frederick County Sheriff Robert C. Snyder applied for a right-to-carry gun permit several years ago, he had every reason to believe it would be granted.

The former lawman had served for 24 years on the Maryland State Police and was sheriff for eight years.

"I wanted a revolver to carry in my car," Snyder recalled. "I wanted one for protection if we were traveling."

Imagine his surprise at learning that the Maryland State Police denied his permit application. Snyder said he was told a permit would be granted only if his life were threatened and he had documentation to prove it.

Ultimately he was awarded the permit thanks to an effort by Frederick County Delegation Chairman Paul Stull, but Snyder said the experience made him wonder if he -- a former sheriff -- had so much trouble, how would the average person fare?

That incident is one reason Snyder supports a legislative proposal that would give the current Frederick County sheriff the responsibility to issue right-to-carry permits, rather than Maryland State Police.

"(Sheriff Chuck Jenkins) knows the people here and he knows the bad elements that would be trying to get a gun moreso than someone in Baltimore or Pikesville," Snyder said. "I think it's good and I support him totally."

[marktwain]

I had heard that in NYC, the police required at least two documented cases of attempts on your life before they would issue a permit.

I guess the documents would be police reports.

Yes, I know, really, really stupid. But that is only if you think in terms of rights and the Constitution. The people who make and enforce these policies are thinking of social engineering and empowering the State.

[PLMerite]

“Imagine his surprise at learning that the Maryland State Police denied his permit application.”

Some Pigs are more equal than others.

Some are not.