I speak as an individual whose family runs a gun shop on the Eastern Shore of Maryland. We are a hardworking community composed of small towns, farms, and 2nd Amendment supporters. Yet, our way of life is at stake - threatened by a government that doesn't understand our struggles and our values. We've endured unreasonable taxation, suffered under restrictions we deem unconstitutional, and felt overlooked and marginalized. Despite our geographic connection to Maryland, it is painfully evident that our values and needs diverge significantly from those of the Western shore governed by Baltimore and Annapolis.

Here's the crux: we are not city people. We do not want the same things as the larger cities on the western part of the state. We, the people of Eastern Shore, have a different way of life that is unique and deeply ingrained. Yet, we're at the mercy of governance that primarily serves the interests of the big cities. We're increasingly tired of being overseen in such dissonant manner.

Eastern Shore contains 9 counties out of Maryland's 24, with an estimated population of 454,889 as per the 2010 census. This substantial portion of Maryland's populace deserves to have their unique lifestyle preserved, their needs met, and their voices heard – something that is currently not happening. We firmly believe an amicable separation from Maryland to form an independent Eastern Shore state is the rational solution. The time has come for us to govern ourselves based on our own values, priorities, and interests.

This petition seeks to establish Eastern Shore as its own independent state, seceding from the governance of Baltimore and Annapolis. Your signature is a gesture of support for thousands of ordinary yet extraordinary East Shore folks who simply desire their rightful representation and autonomy in governance.

Stand up for those whose voices get drowned by the noise of big cities. Sign this petition to demand recognition of the Eastern Shore as an independent state.