Would you think I was exaggerating if I told you I was applying for a concealed carry permit in Maryland was akin to writing your own manumission document? Since I’ve decided to take this journey I knew it was going to be tough but didn’t think it was going to feel like I was a runaway slave trying to use a racist option to plead my case . . .
The website that provides Maryland residents forms from the Maryland State Police has been down in such a way that the only documents you can get are not the ones that would allow you to apply for a firearms permit. Like the Underground Railroad, I was given a link to a copy of the permit application from a former student of mine who also is applying and read of my journey here.
You may have heard that the state of Maryland is not the most gun rights friendly state in the union right now. I’m applying for my freedom in the midst of the Civil War it seems. Governor Martin O’Malley, in his quest for notoriety and perhaps a Presidential nomination, declared war on gun owners in the state and usurped the rights of its citizens in a blanket change of all that is sane. It’s sad, but it is my reality. We are not alone as Connecticut is also suffering from the same asininities.
Now that I’m home from my speaking tour for a few days I am going to tackle this ominous document and try to satisfy one of the six cavils that I hope will allow it to pass muster. Looking at the application form I see that there are a few areas under which I can submit that may apply. I don’t have any documented threats against me (thank God) for the “personal protection” piece although that’s really why anyone would want to carry a firearm. But the first two might work:
1. Owner or Employee of a Business: Submit photocopies of the Traders License or Business License, and if the purpose of the permit is for: (I) Making deposits: Photocopies of six (6) random deposit slips for the business showing the deposits within a year of the application submission date or a letter from the bank attesting that your business has a monetary flow. (ii) Cash Flow: Photocopies of Ten (10) receipts showing purchases for supplies and/or payments received for services.
2. Former Police Officer: If you have resigned or retired, you must show evidence of your tenure in law enforcement, such as a letter from your Agency.
3. Personal Protection: There must be documented evidence of recent threats, robberies, and/or assaults, supported by official police reports or notarized statements from witnesses.
The business owner qualification that Maryland requires is where I will focus most of my energy as I build Blanchard Media Group, LLC into a thriving business with positive cash flow. That probably means I’ll need a physical office now for interviews, and as a place to meet clients. I’m hoping I’ll be able to use the space for firearms instruction as well, as I get this stage completed. I could go with the former police officer angle, but my former outfit isn’t the normal law enforcement entity and not trying to advertise what they do.
Alas, I press on. Freedom isn’t free.
Rev. Kenn Blanchard is a former US Marine, federal police officer, intel officer, conservative, African American Christian pastor, gun rights activist known as the Black Man With A Gun, and producer of The Urban Shooter Podcast.