Never mind that a person may face an immediate threat and need a weapon to defend themselves. State lawmakers are following the lead of some of their larger brethren in working to restrict a constitutionally protected industry.
Legislators passed the measure earlier this year, and Gov. Janet Mills (D) allowed it to become law without her signature. This despite what the National Rifle Association described as a “massive public outcry” against the gun control proposal.
LD 2238 is dubbed “An Act to Address Gun Violence in Maine by Requiring a Waiting Period for Certain Firearm Purchases.” It takes effect 90 days after the legislative session adjourns.
Soon to be law, it will also significantly affect gun dealers, especially those near Maine’s border with New Hampshire. The state to Maine’s south places no such burden on weapons purchases, so naturally, those seeking firearms will cross state lines to acquire them.
Meanwhile, those visiting Maine for the state’s rich sporting tradition will avoid purchasing guns there and being forced to endure the arbitrary waiting period.
At least one gun shop, Kittery Trading Post, said it will move its traditional location just off I-95 south to New Hampshire’s more friendly environment. This will end 86 years of business serving local sportsmen and visitors alike.
Established in 1938, the iconic operation employs hundreds of local citizens and is a cog in the regional economic engine. But its owners are well aware of the looming threat of losing a substantial portion of their business when the law takes effect.
The owners wrote a scathing letter attempting to explain to their loyal customer base why they are uprooting and relocating elsewhere.
“The 72-hour waiting period forces law-abiding customers to make two visits over three days to complete a legal firearm sale. This means extra time, gas and sundries, which further drives up the costs of the transaction for the consumer.”
The proprietors of Kittery Trading Post noted that their business is a destination for many who travel to the region for sporting purposes. A full 55% of the store’s traffic is unique, and eliminating the incentive to purchase new firearms while vacationing in Maine will harm their success.
Now, there is a push by Gun Owners of Maine to fight the law, and gun shop operators vow to “vigorously” stand behind the legal battle.
What is a loss for one state turned out to be a gain for its neighbor.
New Hampshire Gov. Chris Sununu (R) welcomed the gun business relocation with open arms. A spokesperson for the governor’s office made a point to local media that he assured the Kittery Trading Post owners that they are more than welcome to set up shop in his state.
Brandon Pratt confirmed that the governor told the business that they are welcome to establish their perfectly legal business in New Hampshire and that any concerns should be brought straight to his office.
The plaintiffs in the action against Maine’s gun control overreach asked for the public’s assistance in funding the lawsuit against the waiting period. Gun Owners of Maine noted that they receive donations from people doubtlessly strapped in the current economy.
These funds are delivered with comments such as, “It’s not much, but it’s all I have.”
This commitment indicates the level of seriousness that everyday citizens who value their Second Amendment rights place on retaining their freedoms.
They say the first step to solving a problem is admitting there is one.
Well, the Pew Collectors Anonymous is your way of admitting you have a problem buying guns but you have no intentions of solving that problem, because Pew Collectors Anonymous isn’t about solving a problem; it’s about embracing it.
So be sure to hit the link above and grab your Pew Collectors Anonymous T-Shirts, Hats, and Drinkware.
Click below to purchase.
