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Gun-rights advocates rally at Maryland capitol, vowing continued fight against tough new law

By , Published: February 4 E-mail the writer

Several hundred gun-rights supporters rallied in a defiant spirit outside the Maryland State House on Tuesday, with some making fiery calls to repeal last year’s tough new gun-control law.

“We’re not out here watering the liberty tree yet, but it’s parched,” Del. Michael D. Smigiel, Sr. (R-Cecil) told the crowd, referring to Thomas Jefferson’s remark that “the tree of liberty must be refreshed from time to time with the blood of patriots and tyrants.”

Smigiel also led the crowd through a recitation of the Second Amendment and celebrated vows by some sheriffs around the country, including Garrett County’s, not to enforce gun laws they see as unconstitutional.

More here.

Maryland's 'lawless sheriffs' are upholding our constitutional rights

8:00 a.m. EDT, June 22, 2013

State Del. Jon S. Cardin’s recent commentary on Garrett County Sheriff Robert Corley is full of half truths and lies (“The lawless sheriffs of Maryland,” June 17).

Arizona’s Sheriff Joe Arpaio is not a laughingstock, and I challenge Delegate Cardin to note where he got that lie from. I searched the web and nowhere is this found except by Jon Cardin.

Sheriff Arpaio was elected to a sixth term last year in Arizona, after having taken strong steps in 2008 to correct past issues, including stopping controversial saturation sweeps that targeted and detained immigrants. The lawsuit the court recently ruled on was initiated in 2007.

Arizona has been at the heart of a bitter national debate over illegal immigration since Republican Gov. Jan Brewer signed a 2010 crackdown on undocumented immigrants that was challenged by the federal government. Mr. Arpaio was following the laws of the U.S Constitution and the state of Arizona in arresting and deporting illegal immigrants

Read more: http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/opinion/readersrespond/bs-ed-cardin-arpaio-20130622,0,3381459.story#ixzz2XQACjj44

Sheriff's refusal to enforce gun law is a victory for the people

June 13, 2013

Given what’s been going on in Washington, it’s good to see the sheriffs of three Maryland counties standing up for the rights of their citizens (“Sheriff won’t enforce gun law,” June 6).

The framers of the Constitution would be proud of these men for using the powers they were given by that document and by their constituents to protect them from tyrants in Annapolis….

…Gov. Martin O’Malley and the state legislators, especially Senate President Mike Miller and House Speaker Michael Bush, have become tyrants who have taken over Maryland. They have been able to do this despite the wishes of 21 of the 24 counties. We need our county sheriffs now more than ever to help us take back our state.

Maybe I’ll move to Garrett County. Sounds like a safe place to live. Thank you, Sheriff Corley.

John Armstrong, Lutherville

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Garrett County sheriff joins gun control law revolt

By Michael Dresser, The Baltimore Sun9:09 p.m. EDT, June 5, 2013

A growing revolt in rural counties against the state’s new gun control law has spread to far Western Maryland, where the Garrett County sheriff declared the measure unconstitutional this week and said he would enforce only the provisions he believes are valid.

The declaration by Sheriff Rob Corley follows the adoption of resolutions by the governing bodies of Carroll and Cecil counties saying those jurisdictions will not use any county resources to enforce the Maryland Firearms Safety Act, passed by the General Assembly this year and signed by Gov. Martin O’Malley in May.

Among other things, the law bans the sales of certain guns classified as assault weapons, limits the size of bullet-holding magazines and requires new handgun purchasers to be licensed and fingerprinted to deter illegal purchases.

Corley’s statement is a full-throated assertion of gun owners’ rights, declaring that the new state law “violates the Second Amendment to the Constitution” and the sheriff “will make every effort to protect our citizens’ constitutional rights.”

Read more: http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/maryland/politics/bs-md-guns-sheriff-20130605,0,2977983.story#ixzz2VoyPSNuk

 

Garrett sheriff opposes state’s gun regulation

Elaine Blaisdell Cumberland Times-News

CUMBERLAND — OAKLAND — Garrett County Sheriff Robert Corley provided a resolution he claims protects citizens’ Second Amendment rights in regard to the Maryland Firearms Safety Act of 2013 for the county commissioners’ support  during the commission meeting on Tuesday.

Corley proclaimed his opposition to the MFSA and asked for support in allowing himself and deputies to use sound discretionary enforcement of the MFSA against any citizen unless they are engaged in commission of a crime of violence, a violent act, have been convicted of a prior felony, are adjudicated with a dangerous mental illness or under any other related compelling exigent circumstances.

“I’m asking you to join me in my commitment to the law-abiding citizens of Garrett County because such enforcement will greatly reduce the likelihood of criminalizing law-abiding citizens,” said Corley. “I believe that the MFSA violates the Second Amendment to the United States Constitution that cleary states, ‘The right of the people to keep and bear arms, shall not be infringed.’”

Both chairman Robert Gatto and Commissioner Gregan Crawford voiced thier support of the sheriff’s resolution.

Commissioner Jim Raley suggested that the resolution should be viewed by legal counsel and citizens should have input.

“Thanks for taking a stance. It’s an emotional issue. I am disappointed in the attorney general’s stance,” said Raley.

Corley said that he is going to enforce the MFSA as he sees fit.

“I’m not asking for your blessing. I’m asking for your support,” said Corley.

The MFSA, which was enacted by the General Assembly and is set to take effect Oct. 1, bans the sale of 45 types of ordinary rifles and magazines that could contribute to the common defense and requires law-abiding citizens to submit to licensing fees, background checks, fingerprinting, safety training and renewal fees, according to Corley.

During the meeting, Jay Moyer, general roads superintendent, and John Frank, director of emergency management, voiced their support of Corley’s resolution.

The resolution is similar to those made by commissioners in Carroll and Cecil counties, both of whom believe the state act is an infringement on Second Amendment rights, according to Corley.

“Cecil County’s adopted resolution states that the County Council believes the Maryland Firearms Safety Act of 2013 is based on invalid legislation and as a result of their opposition, the board of commissioners will not authorize money, resources, employees, agencies, contractors, buildings, offices or detention centers to enforce any element of the gun law,” said Corley.

The resolution also states that Corley supports the state’s attorney’s decision to prosecute or not to prosecute charges against a law-abiding citizen detained for noncompliance of the MFSA unless they are engaged in the aforementioned circumstances.

Contact Elaine Blaisdell at eblaisdell@times-news.com.

Local sheriffs support state association’s stance

For the Cumberland Times-News Cumberland Times-News

CUMBERLAND — The Maryland Sheriffs’ Association has announced that it is ready to work to create a safer community for all Marylanders through a comprehensive approach.

Gun control alone will not solve the problem of extreme violence. Society needs a thoughtful and comprehensive approach to this worsening problem, including addressing media violence, drugs, gangs and the breakdown of the family,” the association said in a resolution.

Garrett County Sheriff Rob Corley and Allegany County Sheriff Craig Robertson support the state association in its efforts to create safe communities.

“As the sheriff of Garrett County, I join the entire national community in mourning the senseless tragedy and loss of innocent lives in places like Newtown, Connecticut,” Corley said. “However, I, like many other jurisdictions, do not believe that the loss of constitutional rights, privileges and protection are something that should be lost or traded in the name of public safety in order to secure a false sense of security. I stand with the Maryland Sheriffs’ Association as well as the National Sheriffs’ Association in supporting and endorse legislation, which would strengthen public safety by restricting gun ownership from individuals who suffer from certain mental illnesses and with that same enthusiasm support tougher penalties for those who engage in criminal acts committed with fire-arms.”

Robertson also provided a statement: “I join my fellow Garrett County Sheriff Rob Corley and the Maryland Sheriffs’ Association in supporting legislation aimed at strengthening public safety for our citizens. In doing so we should aim our sights on keeping guns out of the hands of criminals and individuals not capable of comprehending their actions, due to mental illnesses. To do so, we must allow law enforcement access to this information in order to successfully complete accurate background investigations. Taking away a citizen’s constitutional right is not the answer. Unfortunately, acts of violence and gun violence have and will continue to victimize our community and our country. We all have an obligation to our families, our community, our citizens and our country to be engaged in securing our weapons from falling into the wrong control.”

More here.