I cant understand why we even have a constitution. Isnt it so the citizens can tell their government what powers it doesnt have and how it is supposed to exercise those it does? The recent Michigan Court of Appeals ruling regarding the new shall-issue concealed weapons permit law (CCW) clearly illustrates the states contempt for our constitution.
The new law, effective July 1, would require that county gun boards issue CCW permits to citizens with no criminal or psychiatric history who have completed an approved safety/law class. It also places new restrictions upon CCW holders, such as not being able to carry their arms into schools, churches, or restaurants serving liquor. Under current law, people with certain felonies and misdemeanors can obtain a CCW permit and carry virtually anywhere, as long as they are in with the county gun board members. In the 30-plus states that have similar laws (most of which are less restrictive), crime has decreased, as criminals no longer know if their easy target is armed. Even Macomb County, whose board issues permits in a manner similar to the new law, shows a crime reduction!
The new law recognizes Article 1, Section 6 of our Michigan Constitution, which states every person has the right to keep and bear arms for defense of himself and the State. Article 2, Section 9 states, The power of referendum does not extend to acts making appropriations for state institutions