Former Massachusetts state police sergeant found guilty of taking bribes to pass commercial drivers [More]
Lotta “Only Ones” posts today, no? Honest, I don’t go looking for these.
[Via Michael G]
As long as we’re talking about “Only Ones” in Massachussetts, WarOnGuns Correspondent Edmund M sends a reminder of our place:
https://www.mass.gov/how-to/apply-for-a-firearms-license
In a comment to article on boston.com on fraud within a Boston NPO, a reader recommended that others apply for a Massachusetts License to Carry Firearms (LTC) so that they could better exercise their right to self defense. A Massachusetts LTC is required to purchase or possess a firearm unless the gun owner is in transit through the state and has the firearm and ammo in a locked enclosure. Stop and stay? Felony arrest for possession of a firearm without a valid LTC with a possible mandatory one year minimum incarceration if found guilty. What is not obvious from the instructions is that a resident LTC is multi year while a nonresident LTC is for one year only. As a former Massachusetts resident who possessed and renewed a resident LTC several times, I know that that the right to keep and bear arms is not a right but a heavily taxed privilege with a higher rate of taxation for nonresidents. Even resident retired LEO possessors of a LEOSA issued license pay a tax, although at a discounted rate compared to other residents.
My friends and family in Massachusetts do not understand why I minimize my visits. Short of a SCOTUS decision that all licensing schemes by the various states are unconstitutional, null and void, I await Federal reciprocity legislation but fully expect Democrat Party controlled Massachusetts to pass some reactionary measures.
The government maintained site is defective as it does not specify that non-resident licenses are for one year only.
I do not recall that the U.S. Constitution with the Bill of Rights has so many categories for rights that in reality are taxable privileges at various rates that the government may or may not dispense once you pay the non-refundable tax. As a right, there should not be taxation or multiple categories of taxation. The majority of states already are in alignment with this by not requiring state or Commonwealth issued licenses or permits.
$100 per year is ornerous and is another argument for passage of reciprocity legislation at worst or for the SCOTUS to decide that all firearm licensing and permitting schemes are unconstitutional and thus null and void.
If any state or Commonwealth imposed these type of conditions, restrictions and fees before citizens were allowed to vote then there would be vigorous and loud opposition.
