Maryland Direct Shipping Laws Saga – Where is democracy?

A blog posting on Wine Trail Traveler about the majority of Maryland legislators being in favor of the direct wine shipping bill, but it may not come to a vote as it is being held up by the Chairperson, Sen. Joan Carter Conway, which "is not the way democracy is supposed to work":

Maryland Direct Shipping Laws Saga – Where is democracy?

Friday, 19. February 2010

For many years, people interested in having direct wine shipping in Maryland have supported legislation to provide the freedom to have wine shipped to consumers. In the past Maryland politicians appeared to ignore the benefits of allowing direct shipping in Maryland. According to Marylanders for Better Beer & Wine Laws, this year a Senate committee of nine members has six members in favor of direct shipping but the Chairperson refuses to allow the bill out of committee. Interestingly enough, in 2010 the majority of Maryland legislators also say they are in favor of direct wine shipping in Maryland but it may not come to a vote as it is being held up by the Chairperson. This is not the way democracy is supposed to work. The legislation should be voted on by both Maryland’s House and Senate. Maryland state legislators please do your jobs and represent the people of Maryland. For more complete information, visit the Marylanders for  Better  Beer & Wine Laws website and consider contacting the Maryland legislature today.

Direct shipping is successfully working in more than 30 states and it can work well in Maryland. Don’t let Maryland continue with its Prohibition attitudes. The people of Maryland do not need politicians to tell us what is best for us. Politicians are elected to represent the people.

Cheers! Kathy

2 Responses to “Maryland Direct Shipping Laws Saga – Where is democracy?”

1. February 19th, 2010 at 12:32 pm
    
   Terry Sullivan Says:
   

   This is an election year. If candidates do not support your wishes, replace them.

2. February 19th, 2010 at 1:29 pm
    
   Anita LeGault Says:
   

   Democracy is probably in the same place it was in other States, before they changed their laws…..in the pockets of legislators with campaigns heavily supported by distributors. Terry is right, Maryland wine consumers and wineries need to form a coalition to put pressure on Legislators.