(September 1, 2002) Last month Dr. Peter Beilenson, Baltimore Health Commissioner, became the newest enforcer in the war on guns. Based on a theory that guns are a health threat he initiated a sting on shops to see if owners would sell ammo to under-aged buyers. It is illegal to sell "handgun ammunition" to a minor. (Yes, we know that makes no sense, but remember, we're talking about zealots.) A hardware store was hit, then bolted shut as if its kitchens weren't clean.
This is frightening in multiple dimensions, not the least of which in the liberal blurring of roles and authorities. It isn't clear that Beilenson has a legal basis to launch criminal investigations in that domain. (With what other laws will he next decide he wants to play cop?) Neither is it clear he has authority to use health department tactics for muscling a business over what is normally a state police operation. (MSP does implement its own stings.) And where did Beilenson get the idea? Johns Hopkins Center for Gun Policy and Research, of course.