Sheriff Mike Lewis withdrew his Second Amendment Sanctuary resolution that was set to be heard by the Wicomico County Council on Tuesday. He told the council that given the current atmosphere with the widespread unrest over the death of African Americans at the hands of police this was not the time for such a resolution. Delmarva Public Radio's Don Rush caught up with Lewis after his appearance before the council.
Compromise Language
Resolution Compromise offered by Dave Cooper with Wicomico County for the Preservation of the Second Amendment
COUNTY COUNCIL OF WICOMICO COUNTY, MARYLAND
2020 Legislative Session Legislative Day No. ___
RESOLUTION NO. ____ - 2020
Introduced by: The President of the Council at the request of the County Executive
A RESOLUTION DECLARING WICOMICO COUNTY, MARYLAND A SECOND AMENDMENT PRESERVATION COUNTY.
WHEREAS, We recognize the inherent right of all people to provide a common defense for themselves without regard to race, gender, identity, position, or religious affiliation. We strongly condemn unlawful actions or activities that would subvert the freedom and liberties of all people, including vigilantism. Further, it is the right of the people to keep and bear arms; we expressly request, that a study be conducted to assess minority gun ownership and disparities between minorities and other races to encourage lawful gun ownership, and equal rights in the expression thereof, among all people.
WHEREAS, the Second Amendment is an enumerated fundamental right to the United States Constitution which provides that ???A well regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed;??? and
WHEREAS, In District of Columbia v. Heller, 554 U.S. 570 (2008), the Supreme Court of the United State of America held that the Second Amendment protects the right of all law-abiding citizens to keep and bear arms that are in common use for traditionally lawful purposes, including self-defense; and
WHEREAS, the Founding Father George Mason commented at the Virginia Ratifying Convention: ???I ask who are the militia? They consist now of the whole people;??? and
WHEREAS, from the inception of the Amendment great legal scholars have remarked: ???This may be considered as the true palladium of liberty ... The right of self defence is the first law of nature: In most governments it has been the study of rulers to confine this right within the narrowest limits possible. Wherever standing armies are kept up, and the right of the people to keep and bear arms is, under any colour or pretext whatsoever, prohibited, liberty, if not already annihilated, is on the brink of destruction.??? Blackstone's Commentaries: With notes of reference, to the Constitution and Laws, of the Federal Government of the United States and of the Commonwealth of Virginia (1803).
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, to protect our citizens??? constitutional rights, that Wicomico County, Maryland is herein declared a ???Second Amendment Preservation County??? as follows:
1.That the Second Amendment to the United States Constitution, not be abridged or limited by the Wicomico County Government.
A.That the County shall not impose any tax on firearms, firearm accessories, or ammunition not common to all other goods and services.
B.That the County shall not maintain an independent registration or tracking of firearms, firearm accessories, or ammunition.
C.That the County shall not impose independent measures for confiscation of firearms, firearm accessories, or ammunition from citizens.
2.That the Wicomico County Government will oppose unconstitutional restrictions by the Maryland General Assembly in the right to keep and bear arms through all available legal means.
DONE at Salisbury, Maryland this _______ day of , 2020.
ATTEST:COUNTY COUNCIL OF WICOMICO COUNTY, MARYLAND
_______________________________________________________(SEAL)
Laura Hurley, Council AdministratorLarry Dodd, Council President
CERTIFICATION
THIS RESOLUTION was Adopted _____________, Adopted with Amendments _____________, Failed _________________, Withdrawn ______________ by the County Council on __________________, 2020.
Certified By____________________________________