It's funny that you should mention the Branch Davidian "tragedy". The government could have chosen to arrest David Koresh outside of the Branch Davidian compound, during one of his fairly frequent outings into town. (This is granting that there was any legitimacy to the charges against Mr. Koresh, in the first place.) Instead, the government chose to make a show of it - and ended up murdering Koresh, 58 other adults, and 28 children. After which, they bulldozed the site, to conceal evidence.

The Waco massacre is all the more argument for citizens to be better armed, to protect themselves against government agents.

Neither can we trust "sensible regulation" since any regulation would be abused by government agents to restrict access to firearms by politically undesirable persons.

The 2nd Amendment was written at a time when our political leaders understood human nature, and the tendency of government to usurp power. Human nature has not changed. Unfortunately, neither our politicians nor the general public today are as well educated as were the political leaders of the 18th century.

" Branch Davidians "......"Waco".

Tinfoil Hat time!

Steve don't care about all those children killed at Waco since he hates anyone who has any religious beliefs. He says good riddance to the religious nutsacks.

and had they not engaged in armed resistance they'd be alive today.

The Branch Dividians weren't a religion. They were a cult, JoeBlob.

Again Steve with your comments with no basis! I never said they "were a religion" did I? You have to continually impugn things on others that are not there. You are a disgusting person. You are racist bigoted intolerant and vile. An immoral human with no soul.

Yea Frank the Nagger, I said that didn't I? I love the smell of burning flesh as much as you do the ripping of a "just a fetus" from the womb. Another vile human.

Ok well so is the first so let's close down the media that plays on ratings rather then what the real news is. Sensationalization of the news is what drives our laws in this country, not common sense!

DId you actually contend that we have no right to self defense from the government when you cited the Waco Massacre? Would you give the government carte blanche?

we are a government of the people by the people for the people. The civil war was one result of people "defending" themselves from the government. I would not recommend that as method to change a government policy.

as a practical matter all legal guns would be irrelevant in an armed conflict with the government. you can only "defend" yourself from the government by participating in the democratic process and influencing the make up and policies of government.

"and had they not engaged in armed resistance they'd be alive today."

The same could be said of many of the patriots that gave their lives at bunker hill and many other times during the revolution.

Some men are not sheep willing to be led to slaughter.

That's the entire point - hold scum who legally purchase guns and then resell them on the street accountable for their actions. Duh.

jag, ask Obama and Holder why they don't charge more of them and asl them why they ENGAGED IN KNOWN straw purchases of thousands of "assault weapons" to the Sinola drug cartel.

were there over 5k? i was being conservative. :) also, Jim, thanks for coming down.

The most common estimate was approx. 3000 total, but that did not include people leaving and going, so it's possible more attended but the total there at any given time was closer to the above number.

Who cares how many there were Jim? It certainly doesn't make them right. In Carroll County last year I witnessed 70 or so morons from We the People, a right-wing Tea Party group, testify at a public hearing that the United Nations was influencing local planning and zoning and that the Maryland Dept. of Planning was trying to take away everyone's property rights and make us all live on communes...your pal, Commissioner "Raving" Rich Rothschild even had the gall to lecture the Director of Planning about land use and claim PlanMaryland aimed to turn Carroll into Prince Georges County! Only idiots are convinced that the government wants to confiscate all guns, but the fear is certainly accomplishing the #1 goal of the NRA and gun manufacturers...selling more weapons! Sane people tire of hearing all your many conspiracy theories.

There is a difference between 70 individuals from a specific sociopolitical organization protesting unproven claims and 3000 individuals from a variety of backgrounds (even if majority white, male conservatives) protesting legislation that could restrict their Constitutional Rights.

During the hearing, if you listen, legislators even brought up that the proposed legislation would criminalize non-registration of a significant portion of currently-owned firearms. (Senator Jacobs mentions a letter from the Attorney General stating exactly this to her.) This means that many gun owners, who own perfectly legal firearms today, would be forced to register their firearms or face criminal penalty. This analysis refutes claims that SB281 would not criminalize currently legal citizens.

You idiot. There were 500 in one of the two overflow rooms where I sat, approximately 100 in the second and hundreds more in the halls. The senate chairman announced over 1,000 signed to testify AGAINST the bill. These were the people inside the building. Outside the building, down the street and surrounding the capital were thousands more. 5,000 total is a conservative estimate.

LOL NO there wasn't. exaggerate much?

Remeber the pro union rally 2 years ago when they had 15,000 in attendance. The Gun Nutters were covering less than 10% of the space of that rally. (and that's being conservative)

Steve - I work there. There were 5000 or more. Once you start housing people in the hallways, waiting rooms, etc., they kind of disappear. The whole scenario was intense. I don't work for Fox News, didn't know they had a different math methodology, and no Steve. No one is exaggerating.

FoxNews is a nationwide station reporting only what some individual reports. Local News, including Baltimore Sun and CBS (WJZ), reports "thousands."

http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/maryland/bs-md-omalley-guns-20130204,0,310518.story

http://baltimore.cbslocal.com/2013/02/06/gun-control-opponents-rally-in-annapolis/

NBC (WBAL) is now reporting thousands.

http://www.wbaltv.com/news/politics/Activists-rally-against-gov-s-proposed-gun-control-legislation/-/9379266/18446874/-/s8egqtz/-/index.html

ABC (WJLA) is reporting thousands.

http://www.wjla.com/articles/2013/02/gun-control-hearing-draws-big-crowd-to-annapolis-84939.html

Steve was there like he was at the Super Bowl and he counted every one of them and made notes on race and looks so he could write a vile bigoted vulgar intolerant hate screed on those who attended.

You and your cohorts are absolutely blinded by Fox News, aren't you honey child. You have Fox News on the brain everywhere you go. If it is something you feel doesn't fall in line with your beliefs...you disparaged folks anyway you think may work. Poor darling..you are wasting your time. I know, I know, you are of the mind that you can count on the media being not particularly astute when estimating numbers of dissatisfied citizens under these circumstances...wonder why?? Geez, hope it isn't a "team" effort!!

The anti-SB281 crowd arguments were...

"Assault weapons dictate based on appearance, not on functionality." Opinions that the banned firearm aspects have nothing to do with the efficiency or lethality. Supported by various firearm manufacturers and owners where many of these "assault"-labeled modifications are what allow people to customize their firearm to their particular build or handicap.

"Assault weapons is a term created solely to confuse the public and prey on their ignorance." Opinions that people are confused over what an assault weapon is, often believing they are banning military rifles and fully-automatic weaponry. Supported by several proponents fro SB281, including at least one legislator, who accidentally claimed that the weapons used in Sandy Hook was a fully automatic firearm.

"The number of 10 rounds is an arbitrary number." Opinions that there is no reason 10 rounds was decided as the limit. Supported by the fact that the Sandy Hook shooting would not have been affected. In addition, this number is argued against by gun manufacturers who note that the majority of legal handguns are made with capacities greater than 10 rounds, meaning they would be restricted.

((CONTINUED))

"Stricter and additional background checks are redundant." Opinions that the use of the Federal NCIS system constitutes both a background check and a form of registration.

"Licensing costs will restrict Constitutional rights." Opinions that lower-income residents will not be able to afford the high costs for licensing and background checks, in addition to firearms. Supported by claims that costs could be up to $400 to simply purchase a firearm of equivalent value.

"Gun control does not lead to less killing." Opinions that gun control laws have not helped create safe environments in every country/situation. Supported by FBI statistics showing little correlation between stricter gun laws and lower firearm murder rates.

"Gun control will hurt Maryland economy." Opinions that these restrictions will affect numerous gun stores, gun manufacturers, and gun trainers, thereby affecting local economy. Supported by testimony from many businesses, including a representative from Beretta (who manufactures in this state); Beretta claims that these laws would restrict them from transporting the firearms they create and would likely drive the business to another state, costing over 400 jobs and millions of dollars in tax revenues.

thanks for posting all of that. :)

Of course I was there. That's why I know you are exaggerating.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/r3t1awr3yd/sets/72157632704036519/show/

I'm only average at making estimates, but that looks like more than "hundreds". Is your estimate better than local news affiliates, who claim "thousands"?

Laura M.: You are correct. Capitol police officers on duty tha day lost count at 3,000 in attendance throughout the day. Several Senaors made the statement that they have never seen so many people show up for a hearing. Frosh (sponsor and co-sponsor of several anti-gun bills) pulled up stakes and left well before the end and muttered something under his breath. He only represents himself, NOT his constituents or, in this case, We The People of Maryland! Most lawmakers we have in Annapolis have NO CLUE how to slow the murder rate. They are only pushing this crap so the government will gain control of the people, There is no doubt that they no longer work for We The People! That goes for the idiots in the District of Corruption, as well!

LOL "Lost count" C'mon Pinocchio your nose is growing. That crowd wasn't that big.

I was there as well. There were over 3000 people in attendance. People were packed in the mall from street to street.

Steve stamps his feet. No. No. No.

Steve is not interested in the truth, but in framing the debate on-line. He is likely a paid Obamabot.

As religion should not play a role in legislation, both sides are wrong to testify at all.

Steve:
I agree with Mr. Hubbard's comment. Religion should not play a role, other than that I would categorize it as a "difference of opinion".

there were 40+ pages of people opposed to the bill...and they ran out of supporters of the bill around 8pm. sorry, dude, but you're making things up.

I'm not sure what hearing you were listening to, but after 5+ hours of it, my opinion is different. I believe the bill will need to be cut down into smaller parts to successfully pass. The main question was, "What will this do to cut down firearm-related crime?" Other than possible reduction of strawman purchases, there was little answer to this from pro-SB281 witnesses. Even some of the normally anti-gun legislators were a bit concerned over the lack of evidence for how this would do anything to curtail crime rates, especially in places like Baltimore or PG County.

If ANYONE gives this racist intolerant bigot Steve any credibility at all you need to see a doctor.

I agree Jeff. I rarely post on patch anymore since it has devolved into a pooh slinging contest rather than an open discourse where people can try to understand each others opinions and perhaps learn something. The extremely close minded arguments posted on both sides of anything political would almost be laughable except that it directly mirrors the idiocy found in Washington and Annapolis.

Nick:

You nailed it. I used to post more often and occasionally would get caught up in the mud slinging. I left for about a year and recently came back only to find that it's gotten even worse.
Many of the "old" posters for lack of a better term....like you have left this site and it's now over-run with well...........I'll just leave it at that. NICE FISH.....

When you leave and not fight those people you leave the site to them and they feel empowered when they face no opposition. Truth must overcome the lies they push.

@Sanchez
Your comment:
"When you leave and not fight those people you leave the site to them and they feel empowered when they face no opposition. Truth must overcome the lies they push."

You are giving far more crediblity to a site like this than it deserves. THEY are not empowered by being here and YOU are not empowered by being here. If you truly want to make a difference, please find another avenue than Patch.
You are correct though, this is a place to fight, argue, name call and at times stretch the truth, but to empower and overcome anything......I don't think so.
Let's put it this way......let's say there is no opposition here on Patch to those you disagree with. What's the end result, they might not have anybody to insult or name call, all they can do is agree with each other and they will soon become bored with that.

"they might not have anybody to insult or name call, all they can do is agree with each other and they will soon become bored with that."

Can't argue with that.

The problem was that the various mental health professionals were divided. Even representatives from the APA agreed there could be problems with SB281 targeting anyone who had any record of mental health problems, even non-violent ones. In addition, they confirmed that current evaluations regarding non-voluntary committal already fulfill the requirements of analyzing the individual for possible violent or self-harmful tendencies. So, from a psychological standpoint, SB281 did not answer the question of how to properly determine who should or should not be restricted from purchasing or owning firearms.

The phrase molon labe (Ancient Greek μολὼν λαβέ molṑn labé; reconstructed Ancient Greek pronunciation [molɔːn labé]; Modern Greek pronunciation [moˈlon laˈve]) means "Come and take". It is a classical expression of defiance reportedly spoken by King Leonidas I in response to the Persian army's demand that the Spartans surrender their weapons at the Battle of Thermopylae.

LOL No it doesn't mean that, but thanks for playing.

See? Supremacist Steve is the only one that knows but he won't tell us!

I guess Steve if you are looking in the Urban Dictionary it means "Come and Get It" so where is your answer Steve.Let's have it.

Steve NEVER has any answers, just juvenile one sentence insults.

Why would I look in the urban dictionary for a ancient Greek term?

Interesting...I was not playing. It is, in fact, exactly what it means and exactly how it was being used. If you are not willing to offer an alternative that actually makes sense contectually, then perhaps you should refrain from commenting at all.

Are you fluent in ancient Greek?

Molon Labe is one of the funniest hoaxes I have seen since my boss's son had the Chinese ideogram for what he thought was "Bravery and Honor" tattooed on his arm. Years later he found out from a Chinese guy it really said "Pig F*&#^r"

Once again Steve is right and everyone else is wrong.

Steve invented the internet........

So I guess you have experience in that to Steve. (Tea Bagging) since you know so much.

Who said anything about age or NASCAR Steve???

HAHAHAHAHA!!!

Opponents held a large rally that filled Lawyer's Mall next to the governor's residence and the Maryland State House before the hearing.

Read more: http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2013/02/06/gun-control-hearing-draws-hundreds-to-annapolis/#ixzz2MrU8IkjG

LOL Fox News.

http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2013/02/06/gun-control-hearing-draws-hundreds-to-annapolis/

gun control works very well in europe, japan and australia. when the constitution was adopted guns were one of the most lethal weapons available, now a days they hardly rate in organized armed conflict. far far more lethal weapons are available to governments or large organizations such that guns only determine the balance of power on a small interpersonal scale. They deserve no special constitutional consideration, they should be regulated just like any other dangerous technology.

"gun control works very well in europe, japan"

"The Japanese word for suicide is “ji-satsu” which literally means “kill oneself.” Japan has one of the highest suicide rates in the developed world. According to the World Health Organization, 23.8 Japanese out every 100,000 commit suicide every year, double the rate in the United States, two and half times higher than Singapore or Hong Kong and four times higher than Britain. In the Group of Eight, only Russia has a higher suicide rate (39.4 suicides per 100,000 people). "
http://factsanddetails.com/japan.php?itemid=639

"In 2011, the number of people who committed suicide in Japan was 30,513 according to the health ministry"
"In 2009, the number of suicides was 32,753, the fifth highest of all time"

"In 2003, there was a record 34,427 suicides. This works out to almost 90 a day. Common suicide methods include jumping in front of trains, leaping from buildings, hanging oneself, and carbon monoxide poisoning"

Who needs guns to kill yourself?

"now a days they hardly rate in organized armed conflict."
What does that mean to the debate of the 2nd amendment?
All "firearms in common use" at the time are protected according to Heller in 2008.
There IS indeed "special constitutional consideration" in the written decision.