Time and patience are called for... many surprises await you.
I recently filled out an application for a License to Carry a Firearm in the State of Massachusetts. For a right that's specifically guaranteed in the constitution, they sure make the process extremely difficult. Then again, it's not exactly a walk in the park to set up a speedy trial with a jury of my peers. But the point being, they go to needless lengths to deter you from even applying, especially given the fact that they basically reserve the right to just say no after the minimum 40 day waiting period. If they do deny you a license you can appeal it in court, but that's definitely not speedy, nor will you have twelve people on your side.
[ From mASS BACKWARDS: ]
In the interest of fairness and equality, I propose that anyone looking to get married in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts must first be required to take a marriage safety course, be photographed, fingerprinted, subject to a criminal background check. and then made to pass a marriage proficiency test. After all of that, they must then provide on their License to Marry (LTM) application, a list of reasons for requesting such a license. Then, if the licensing authority determines they have adequately expressed a "need" to get married, a license may be issued (subject to any "common-sense" restrictions the local authorities deem appropriate).
I know he was trying to make a point about the unfair and exclusionary bureaucracy of gun licensing, but am I the only one who thinks this would be a really, really good idea for marriage licensing? Not to mention parenting? I mean, you have to have a license to drive a car or fly a plane or own a gun because you can cause so much damage. Should marriage or parenting be held to such a lesser standard?