Constitutional Carry Is Gaining Momentum

As previously noted previously in Undercover Porcupine, Constitutional Carry is back for consideration before the Maine Legislature. Since that first article a week ago, sponsor Senator Eric Brakey has provided a clearer picture of where things stand.

In a post titled “Is Your Representative Supporting Constitutional Carry?” on his official website, Senator Brakey provided the bill summary and current sponsors of the legislation.

The summary reads:

This bill authorizes a person who is not prohibited from possessing a firearm to carry a concealed handgun without a permit. This bill also authorizes a person to possess a loaded pistol or revolver while in a motor vehicle or a trailer or other vehicle being hauled by a motor vehicle.

Seems fairly straight forward, given the Maine State Constitution’s view on the topic.

Article 1, Section 16 of the Maine Constitution reads:

Every citizen has a right to keep and bear arms and this right shall never be questioned

Essentially, what Senator Brakey and co-sponsors are attempting to do at this point is simply reinforce constitutional law. Beyond this, they are taking a stand for ones right to defend themselves and their property. The unfortunate reality of the world is real evil exists and not everyone views things through our own personal standard of morality. We are faced with violence, rape, theft, and so on. In many cases, these criminals carry firearms as a way to threaten everyday citizens.

The quick and emotional response is to ban guns and increase regulations. Politicians will propose making the process of firearm purchase more difficult and making ownership options fewer. The problem with this approach is that lawbreakers aren’t likely to follow these laws, as by definition, they have no respect for the law.

The end result is we punish those who follow the law by making their self-defense rights more difficult and put them at a personal disadvantage when faced with criminals.

To the fourteen Senators and fifty-eight Representatives currently signed onto LR 280, thank you for taking a common sense stand for everyday Mainers and their rights to self-defense. No one should be oppressed by criminals and everyone deserves to be secure and safe.

To those not yet signed on, what’s the hold up? This isn’t rocket science. Do you believe Mainers should be at a disadvantage against criminals who may wish to harm them or their families? Do you wish to punish law-abiding citizens for the acts of criminals? Hopefully not.

According to an e-mail newsletter sent out by the Maine Campaign For Liberty, the deadline to sign on is February 26th. From that point on, the developments regarding this legislation promise to be interesting. More to come sooner than later, stay tuned.

Chris Dixon

About Chris Dixon

Chris Dixon is a libertarian-leaning writer and managing editor for The Liberty Conservative. In addition to his political writing, he also covers baseball for Cleat Geeks and enjoys writing on a number of other topics ranging on Medium.