xd.40
Regular Member
imported post
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VCDL's Gun Dealer Legal Defense Fund -- help fight Mayor Bloomberg's
scheme to cripple Virginia firearms dealers. See:
http://www.vcdl.org/index.html#DefenseFund
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VCDL's meeting schedule: http://www.vcdl.org/meetings.html
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VCDL UPDATE 12/17/07 - Defending your right to defend yourself
Thought for the day: "While some people with guns do kill people,
it's the people without guns who get killed." -- Jack Shermahn
1. VCDL Meeting in Annandale on Thursday
2. VCDL Meeting in Richmond with Senator Cuccinelli
3. Articles needed for next Defender
4. Q&A: Guns in VA churches
5. Botetourt County still photographing CHP applicants?
6. Gun ban for EMS personnel lifted?
7. Tension among VA Democrats from different regions
8. VA-Pilot wants your guns registered through private sales
background checks
9. Gun show debate in the Valley
10. Count the guns, not the sellers
11. RT publication of permit holders backfires
12. LTE: Gun permit holders should have privacy
13. Flashback to 1995: Relaxed CHP law causes alarm
14. Crime in 'safe' areas worries many
15. Who needs a gun at a child's birthday party?
16. Who needs a gun in a restaurant?
17. NoVA trail organization and gun club arrive at agreement
18. Eyewitness account of Omaha mall shooting
19. Staying safe while you shop -- no answers here
20. Why would you need a gun in a church?
21. 'Dirty Harriet' saves the day in Colorado
22. Permit holder who stopped church shooter credits God
23. Police: Church gunman killed himself
24. Smear campaign against CO church permit holder underway
25. CO church killer acquired guns and ammo 'by the book'
26. LTE: When seconds count, the police are minutes away
27. Strong women own guns
28. Editorial: Holstered guns in open view don't belong on campus (UT)
29. Bill would let some college students tote guns (AL)
30. Gun ranges becoming extinct in New Jersey
31. Bloomberg wants to quiz candidates on guns
32. UK to ban samurai swords -- will bans on hands and feet follow soon?
33. No right to life without right to self-defense
**************************************************
1. VCDL Meeting in Annandale on Thursday
**************************************************
VCDL is having its monthly membership meeting this Thursday in
Annandale.
We will discuss your important role on VCDL Lobby Day, which will be
on January 21st, 2008.
Be sure to mark your calendars to come to Lobby Day and help VCDL get
its message out to YOUR delegate and senator.
As always, the meeting is open to the public, so bring friends,
family, and co-workers!
Fellowship starts at 7:30 PM. The meeting is called to order at 8:00
PM and adjourns at 9:30 PM.
Afterward we will go to a local restaurant for continued fellowship.
Carrying is legal at the government center where we hold the meeting.
If you plan on carrying at the restaurant afterwards you will need to
open carry, as the restaurant serves alcohol.
The address of the meeting is:
Mason District Governmental Center
6507 Columbia Pike
Annandale, VA 22003
For directions more information or directions, go to:
http://www.vcdl.org/meetings.html
**************************************************
2. VCDL Meeting in Richmond with Senator Cuccinelli
**************************************************
Like the meeting in Annadale this week, the next Richmond VCDL
Membership meeting will concentrate on lobbying the General Assembly,
of particular interest for those of you who are going to attend VCDL
Lobby Day.
REMINDER: VCDL Lobby Day is January 21st, 2008 - be sure to mark your
calendars to come to Lobby Day and help VCDL get its message out to
your Delegate and Senator.
As an extra bonus, Senator Ken Cuccinelli will address the group and
will be discussing the General Assembly, too. Senator Cuccinelli can
provide excellent insight into the internal workings of our government!
The meeting is going to be held on Wednesday, January 16th, 2008 at:
Tuckahoe Library
1901 Starling Drive
Richmond VA 23229-4607
http://www.co.henrico.va.us/library/Branches/tu.html
Directions: http://www.co.henrico.va.us/library/Branches/tudir.html
As always, the meeting is open to the public, so bring friends,
family, and co-workers!
Carry is legal at the library.
Fellowship starts at 6:30 PM. The meeting is called to order at 7:00
PM and adjourns at 8:30 PM.
Afterwards, we will go to a local restaurant for continued fellowship.
Let's have a big turnout for this meeting. See you there!
**************************************************
3. Articles needed for next Defender
**************************************************
VCDL's newsletter, THE DEFENDER, was mailed out to members last week.
Check your mailbox. It should be arriving any time now.
If you would like to submit an article for the next VCDL Defender
newsletter, email them to newsletter@vcdl.org by 1/25/08. The subject
can be anything about guns that you think your fellow gun owners would
be interested in - laws, shooting tips, gun reviews, experiences, etc.
**************************************************
4. Q&A: Guns in VA churches
**************************************************
I have received a ton of messages about carrying in churches. Many of
you thought it was illegal in Virginia. In general it is NOT illegal.
The only restriction is on carrying during a meeting for religious
purposes. So, if you are in the church when there is not a service or
other religious meeting in progress, you can carry.
If there is a service or other religious meeting happening, you can
carry if you have "good and sufficient reason." The law is unclear on
exactly what is considered a "good and sufficient reason." That
wording should allow a pretty broad set of things that would justify
carrying a gun.
For me, Al Qaeda is my good and sufficient reason. The government has
issued warnings about possible attacks by Islamic terrorists at non-
Islamic places of worship, as well as other venues.
And what happened in Colorado and other places in America shows that
we live under a constant threat by the criminally insane.
The penalty, if you are convicted of not having good and sufficient
reason by an unreasonable judge, is a Class 4 MISDEMEANOR, which is
the mildest of all crimes. No jail time and a maximum fine of not
more than $250 (plus any legal fees).
I am not a lawyer and can't give you legal advice. If you want to
carry in church during a religious meeting, you should talk to a
lawyer and make up your mind at that time as to whether you have "good
and sufficient reason."
Here is the actual code section:
--
18.2-283. Carrying dangerous weapon to place of religious worship.
If any person carry any gun, pistol, bowie knife, dagger or other
dangerous weapon, without good and sufficient reason, to a place of
worship while a meeting for religious purposes is being held at such
place he shall be guilty of a Class 4 misdemeanor.
**************************************************
5. Botetourt County still photographing CHP applicants?
**************************************************
It is not clear if Botetourt County is still illegally photographing
CHP applicants.
If you live in Botetourt County, let us know if they try to photograph
you when you or someone you know gets their first permit or renews
their existing CHP.
If they do try to photograph you, decline to let them do so and
contact us immediately.
**************************************************
6. Gun ban for EMS personnel lifted?
**************************************************
http://tinyurl.com/yucg6c (VDH home page)
From VCDL VP Jim Snyder:
--
Several weeks ago, I complained to the webmaster of a Virginia EMS
website about their inaccurate version of 18.2-308. The webmaster said
it'd be fixed, and now I get this email.
I'd have to go back and make sure, but I it sounds like he's saying
that they no longer enforce the "no guns for EMS personnel" ban they
used to have. [PVC: I believe that to be the case, based on an email
from December 2005, which follows.]
[Virginia Department of Health to Jim]
Sir,
Thank you for writing and bringing to our attention the error as
posted on our Web page. It took us a while to figure out how this
occurred, but it was a conversion issue that has been resolved.
As we no longer enforce the section of the regulations this pertains
to (12 VAC 5-31-700 (6) EMS Vehicle Safety, the reference has been
removed from our Web page. When the next generation of the EMS
Regulations is published, the wording will be removed from the
regulations as well.
Again, thank you for bringing this to our attention.
Michael D. Berg, AAS, NREMT-P
Manager, Regulation and Compliance
Office of Emergency Medical Services Virginia Department of Health
--
From VCDL UPDATE 12-18-05, item #7:
For those who have been on this list for a while, you might recall our
efforts to get a repeal on a regulation that prohibited EMS personnel
with CHPs from carrying on ambulances. On January 17th, 2003 I sent
out an update stating that we had won.
We did, but one part of the law was inadvertently left on the books. A
few of our members found this recently and one contacted the Office of
Emergency Medical Services (OEMS) about the problem.
The member was told that the OEMS was aware of the problem and the
regulation was NOT being enforced.
That's good but they need to get the regulation completely off the
books anyhow!
Here is the email from OEMS to our member:
From: Michael Berg
Sent: Friday, December 16, 2005 3:59 PM
To: xxx
Cc: Gary Brown
Subject: Weapons and EMS
Dear Mr. xxx,
As the Manager for the Regulation and Compliance Division for the
Office of Emergency Medical Services, Mr. Brown has asked that I reply
to your inquiry. Your question concerns the ability for EMS providers
to be able to carry weapons during the course of their duties,
especially while on an ambulance or responding to a request for
assistance.
When the current version of the EMS Regulations were being promulgated
(January 15, 2003), there was indeed a proposed regulation disallowing
the carrying of weapons by EMS personnel on an ambulance. There was a
mounted campaign against such a proposal and indeed the proposed
regulation was withdrawn. Unfortunately, in another section of the
regulations, specifically, 12 VAC 5-31- 700 EMS Safety (6) in part
states, “Possession of a firearm, weapon, or explosive or incendiary
device on any EMS vehicle is prohibited, except…” This was to have
been removed during the revision process and simply was an oversight.
We have administratively directed our field staff to not enforce this
specific provision of the regulations.
I hope this answers your questions and addresses your concerns. Please
feel free to call on me should we be of any additional assistance.
Michael D. Berg
Manager, Regulation and Compliance
Virginia Office of EMS
109 Governor Street, Suite UB-55
Richmond, Virginia 23219
(804)864-7615 (Office)
(804)864-7580 (Fax)
(800)523-6019 (Virginia only)
Michael.Berg@vdh.virginia.gov
**************************************************
7. Tension among VA Democrats from different regions
**************************************************
"'Hopefully, Democrats have learned the lessons of the last few
years,' Diyorio said."
I agree - Democrats should now be very aware that gun control is a
LOSER. The rural Democrats are very much aware of that and are very
concerned over where the Democratic Senators from the urban areas
might try to take the state:
http://tinyurl.com/2emm2f
washingtonpost.com
Tensions Could Hurt Majority in Va. Senate
Rural Democrats Fear They'll Be Swept Aside
By Tim Craig
Washington Post Staff Writer
Tuesday, December 11, 2007; B01
RICHMOND -- The power shift in the state Senate to Democrats from
suburban and urban areas is causing tension with their rural
colleagues and raising fresh questions about the party's health in
south-central and southwestern Virginia.
When the Senate convenes in January, Democrats will take over from
Republicans for the first time since the 1990s. The new majority will
set a milestone in Virginia politics, installing women, minorities and
men from the suburbs in all committee chairmanships.
Incoming Senate Majority Leader Richard L. Saslaw (D-Fairfax) said the
changes could mean more money for projects in Hampton Roads and
Northern Virginia, the economic engines of the state.
But as Democrats from those areas exert growing influence, some party
leaders fear the rural Democrats who dominated state politics for more
than a century could be pushed aside.
"I think there is already some tension," said Sen. Phillip P. Puckett
(D-Russell), who represents coal country in southwestern Virginia. "I
have just asked for some fairness. I understand the seniority system,
but at the same time, rural Democratic legislators are concerned."
Virginia Democrats might experience some of the rifts between suburban
and rural interests that have hampered Republicans for years. With a
21 to 19 majority in the Senate, Democrats have little room for
dissent if they want to pass bills.
Saslaw acknowledges that the party is facing growing pains after
picking up the four seats needed to retake the Senate last month. But
he says Democrats have long heard complaints from Northern Virginians
that too much power was concentrated in rural areas.
Republicans sense an opportunity to build strength in rural parts of
the state, cementing their status as the firewall for GOP candidates
in statewide elections.
"They named their committee chairs and made a big point of them being
from Northern Virginia and many being minority," said Virginia GOP
Chairman John H. Hager. "If they rub that in too much, there might be
some people who have a little reaction to that."
Although the rise of Democrats in Virginia reflects their success in
rapidly growing and diversifying Northern Virginia and Hampton Roads,
the party has struggled to make gains in more rural areas.
Despite spending major money in legislative races, Democrats failed to
pick up rural House or Senate seats this year.
Hager said Virginia is now "a red state and a blue state all in one
state." He added: "We will be very strong in the rural areas for a
long time. It's the NASCAR crowd. It's our crowd."
Statewide, Republican House candidates received 100,000 more votes
than Democrats. As they prepare for next year's presidential and U.S.
Senate races, Democrats might have to find a way to boost their appeal
in rural areas if they want to build a lasting majority in the state.
"It is going to be a challenge," said Sean T. O'Brien, executive
director of the Sorensen Institute for Political Leadership in
Charlottesville. "The power base for Democrats has shifted to suburban
Democrats. There is a fear the rural Democrats are going to be
forgotten. If Democrats do that, they are writing their own epitaph."
Puckett said he is confident his colleagues in Northern Virginia and
Hampton Roads "won't abandon" him. But he said the four senators from
southwestern and rural southern Virginia could become swing votes if
they feel they are being taken for granted.
Puckett and Sen. William Roscoe Reynolds (D-Franklin) represent two
districts in southwestern Virginia that usually vote Republican in
statewide elections because their regions tend to be conservative on
cultural issues. Sen. R. Creigh Deeds (D-Bath) and Sen. John S.
Edwards (D-Roanoke) represent more Democratic-leaning districts in
southwestern and southern Virginia. But Deeds and Edwards represent
many residents with conservative views, as evidenced by their strong
opposition to gun control.
Deeds said the new majority will have to work hard to avoid dissension.
"Many people in rural areas view the Democrats with suspicion because
of the positions we take on social issues," Deeds said. "We have to do
a better job of talking the language that all people understand. We as
Democrats need to get back to basics and talk about building the
economy, an issue that unites us."
U.S. Rep. Rick Boucher (D), who represents southwestern Virginia, said
he's confident Democrats in Richmond will respond to the needs of
rural Virginia by investing in economic development and transportation
improvements.
"There is tremendous cohesiveness in the Senate," said Boucher, who
served there from 1974 to 1983. "The people of influence have been
there for a long time. . . . These are individuals who truly encompass
a vision for the entire state."
But the effort to unite Senate Democrats around a message of economic
populism might be hampered by a split over who should be named to the
powerful Finance Committee.
Four slots on the committee will open up for Democrats when the
General Assembly convenes. Democrats from southwestern Virginia argue
they should get some of those slots, but the Senate's tradition of
rewarding seniority could mean senators from other parts of the state
get the plum seats.
"We are going to try to accommodate everyone, but basically this is
the fall of the cards through the seniority system," Saslaw said.
Saslaw noted that Reynolds has been named deputy floor leader, which
he said proves that the Democratic leadership is geographically
diverse. Reynolds declined to comment.
Sen. R. Edward Houck (D-Spotsylvania) said the seniority system is
"creating a huge geographic imbalance."
"Our majority is very tenuous," said Houck, who will chair the
Education and Health Committee. "We got a very small majority to go
around. Why do all the new chairmen also get the good committee
assignments?"
The debate over the future of rural Democrats strikes a sensitive
chord in Virginia because experts say rural voters are torn between
the parties.
The trend, which has played out across the South, has been evident in
presidential elections.
In the 1990s, Bill Clinton carried southwestern Virginia's 9th
Congressional District in both his elections. In this decade,
President Bush has racked up huge margins in the region, including a
52,000-vote advantage over Sen. John F. Kerry (D-Mass.) in 2004.
Democrats have remained optimistic about their fortunes in the region
because Mark R. Warner handily won southwestern Virginia in his 2001
run for governor. If Warner can do the same in his bid for the U.S.
Senate next year, he will almost certainly be elected, because he is
expected to run strong in vote-rich Northern Virginia. Democrats also
picked up a dozen county offices in southwestern Virginia last month,
which Boucher said bodes well for the long-term health of the party.
Democratic strategist Dave "Mudcat" Saunders, who specializes in rural
politics, said the party's prospects are improving in the South
because the racial politics that helped drive rural voters to
Republican candidates are subsiding.
Saunders and other Democratic strategists caution that the party still
faces considerable challenges in Virginia, in part because of voter
impressions of Democrats in Washington.
"This is still the Bible Belt," said Linda Diyorio, a strategist for
Boucher. "The issues on the plate nationally -- guns, abortion, gay
rights -- are issues that a lot of voters look at to form their
perspective."
If those issues don't consume Virginia Democrats, Diyorio said, she is
confident that the party's prospects will continue to improve in rural
parts of the state, assuming there isn't a lot of intraparty
squabbling in Richmond.
"Hopefully, Democrats have learned the lessons of the last few years,"
Diyorio said.
**************************************************
8. VA-Pilot wants your guns registered through private sales
background checks
**************************************************
http://tinyurl.com/2ymzjf
hamptonroads.com
Make all gun sales subject to checks
Virginia has tough penalties for those convicted of illegal possession
of a weapon. Violent felons spend at least five years in prison if
they're caught with a gun.
It seems incongruous to punish people for doing something the law
allows. In Virginia, anyone, criminals included, can buy a gun without
undergoing a criminal background check if they buy from a hobbyist,
not a licensed dealer.
Last week, Gov. Tim Kaine correctly said the legislature needs to fix
that and require background checks on all private gun sales. "You
either want folks who are felons to have guns, or you don't." [PVC:
Based on that logic we need to require *all* government officials,
including the Governor, to have regular, but unannounced drug tests.
Who would object to such thing? After all, you either want drug
addicts running the government or you don't.]
The International Association of Chiefs of Police supports background
checks for all gun sales. Period. [PVC: Yes, and that group's disdain
for private gun ownership has been well documented over the years.]
And the Virginia Tech Review Panel, which investigated the April 16
shootings, recommended that lawmakers eliminate exemptions, including
the one known as the gun-show loophole, that allow criminals and
people with dangerous mental illnesses to buy guns. [PVC: Why? Cho
(VT shooter) and Murray (Colorado shooter) didn't buy their guns from
private sellers. But, as usual, gun control never makes any sense.]
Background checks, said panel chairman and retired state police
superintendent Gerald Massengill, don't curb law-abiding citizens, but
they might keep guns out of the hands of people who shouldn't have
them. [PVC: But forcing background checks for private sales closes
the freedom loophole, increase the price of the transaction, and
potentially increase the liability & cost to dealers who perform the
background check on the behalf of private individuals. We will fight
any attempt to do so quite vociferously.]
The law allows domestic abusers, drug addicts and people found to be
mentally ill to bypass licensed gun dealers, who are required under
federal law to do instant background checks on buyers for a small
fee. [PVC: The law (GCA 1986 - 18 USC 926) also protects law-abiding
gun owners from gun registration. Gun registration is the first step
in gun confiscation some day down the road.]
Too many guns have landed in the wrong hands. The shootings at
Virginia Tech, at the mall in Nebraska, at a church and a missionary
training school in Colorado, have made that clear. [PVC: And nothing
you can do can or will prevent people who want guns to get them. One
thing those incidents have shown is that a determined murderer will
take his time getting his weapons.]
It's time for the legislature, at the start of its 2008 session, to
say: Enough. There's no reason to have a legal way for a criminal to
get a gun. [PVC: Who edits this crap at the Virginian-Pilot? There
is NO LEGAL WAY FOR A CRIMINAL TO GET A GUN!!! If a criminal buys a
gun from a private seller now it is every bit as illegal as buying a
gun from a dealer!!! It doesn't matter how they get the gun. Under
federal law, the second they touch a gun, it is a felony! I wish the
Virginian-Pilot would give me a call to check their facts before
printing things that are factually incorrect.]
**************************************************
9. Gun show debate in the Valley
**************************************************
http://tinyurl.com/2gqfn3
whsv.com
Gun Show Debate in the Valley
Rockingham County
Posted: 6:42 PM Dec 8, 2007
Last Updated: 1:35 PM Dec 10, 2007
Reporter: James Jackson
Email Address: jjackson@whsv.com
Gun Show Debate Comes to the Valley
Virginia lawmakers are working to create legislation that would
require background checks at gun shows.
Lee Kern has been involved in gun shows for more than 16 years as an
attendee and now attendant. He shares an opinion with others at the
gun show in Rockingham County who are familiar with the ongoing gun
show loophole debate.
Those in favor of the legislation say there should be background
checks for people who purchase guns at these kinds of shows.
"I think that requiring a background check on a personal transaction
between two individuals, neither of which are federally licensed, is
kind of an invasion of them being able to trade their own personal
property," says Kern.
State Senator Emmett Hanger says there is no loophole and the 2nd
Amendment right of Virginians needs to be protected.
"We can better keep firearms out of the hand of people who are
predisposed to violence. I think that's a legitimate conversation. All
I'm saying is the conversation needs to be a whole lot broader than
what is referred to as the gun show loophole," says Hanger.
Those in favor of the loophole cite the tragedy at Virginia Tech as
the main reason to meet certain criteria. In several published
reports, Governor Tim Kaine has spoken openly in favor of closing the
loophole.
He says, "I'm going to be very aggressive. One thing you can count on,
that bill will be introduced." [PVC: If only he was as aggressive in
protecting our right to bear arms. VCDL expects that bill to be
introduced each year, as it is the main bill that the anti-gunners are
trying to hang their hats on, so this is not particular surprise.]
Several visitors to Sunday's gun show agree on one thing.
"I think it's definitely a place where the government doesn't need to
stick their nose," says Kern.
One of the gun show promoters says 95 percent of the sellers at this
particular show do require background checks.
**************************************************
10. Count the guns, not the sellers
**************************************************
Member Dr. Jerry Coffey understand statistics. He dealt with them
professionally at the highest levels in government. He sent me this
email pointing out what dirty tricks the anti-gunners use to twist
statistics into misleading sound-bites. I will be sure to point out
this trick to reporters in the future:
--
Re: "Anti-Gun Group claims third of gun show vendors unlicensed," VCDL
Update 12/12/07
The scam in the Barbara King article is not the traditional "vendor"
scam; it is based on another statistical trick. She refers to "firearm
sellers" rather than "vendors." Trader Jerry and Dark Sun are two
firearms sellers (with thousands of fully documented gun show sales)
-- so (possibly) is the guy who buys a ticket and tries to find some
interest in the rifle he carries on his shoulder.
Note that there are three potential "firearms sellers" here -- one
individual who may or may not sell his personal rifle, and two high-
volume dealers who will make almost all the firearms sales at the
show. If the private seller is successful in this hypothetical gun
show, he will represent 33% of the "firearms sellers", but probably 1%
or less of firearms SALES.
I pointed this out to an NBC news crew at a Roanoke show -- count the
guns, not the sellers -- there were several thousand firearms offered
for sale on the floor and only one person in sight carrying a gun. (It
is possible that gun had been purchased from a dealer, but I didn't
want to gild the lilly.)
So, yes, this is statistical fraud of the grossest form, but it is a
different scam from the "vendor" scam they were peddling last month.
Dr. Jerry L. Coffey
Mathematical Statistician
**************************************************
11. RT publication of permit holders backfires
**************************************************
http://tinyurl.com/38pxlk
nvdaily.com
Top of the Morning by Bob Wooten: Paper's project backfired
By Bob Wooten -- Daily Managing Editor
Virginia is about to set an odd precedent under the law of unintended
consequences.
The case involves gun rights, individual privacy concerns, the
Internet and the First Amendment.
It started with a southwest Virginia newspaper project aimed at
educating readers about the state's open records law. Unfortunately,
that well-meaning exercise may end up narrowing access to public
information in Virginia.
In March, The Roanoke Times, one of Virginia's largest newspapers,
launched a project highlighting Sunshine Week, an annual recognition
of the importance of open government in our society. As part of the
project, the Times published on its Web site a searchable database of
Virginians holding permits to carry a concealed weapon.
The database was obtained from the Virginia State Police under the
Freedom of Information Act.
As one Times writer, Christian Trejbal put it, "You can search to find
out if neighbors, carpool partners, elected officials or anyone else
has permission to carry a gun."
It took about 24 hours for the hue and cry to descend on the Roanoke
newspaper offices.
The Times fielded hundreds of complaints from gun owners and advocates
angered by publication of the database. Some pointed out that it also
allowed you to find out whether crime victims or witnesses had
obtained a gun permit.
The newspaper's publisher quickly pulled the plug on the online feature.
Too late, though. The machinery already had been set in motion to make
access to these public records more difficult.
The state police began denying access to the database earlier this
year, and on Monday the state Freedom of Information Advisory Council
endorsed legislation that would exempt the database from FOIA.
Don't be surprised when the General Assembly convenes next month if
this sails through. With the interests of the First and Second
amendments at odds, lawmakers are going to see a lot more benefits in
pleasing gun owners than open government advocates.
One fact lost in much of the chatter about this measure is that the
individual records of gun permits are still out there -- tucked away
in dusty file cabinets at courthouses across the state. Anyone willing
to do some digging still can find out who's packing heat and who
isn't. Like it or not, a judge has to grant a concealed carry permit
and the matter is put on file in court records that are open to all.
Nonetheless, the public's access to information will be lessened, and
the state's vital FOIA law weakened.
I doubt that's the result the editors at The Roanoke Times were
expecting. In fact, I know where they were coming from when they
offered this tool to readers. Newspapers are desperately looking for
ways to connect with people online, and one way is to offer useful
interactive tools.
But the Times' experience is a cautionary tale for all journalists
navigating the reefs and shoals of the Internet. We're working with a
powerful new technology, and we have to exercise great care when we
use it.
In this case, an effort to promote open government backfired and
actually closed the door a little.
Bob Wooten is the managing editor of the Daily. Contact him at (800)
296-5137 or at bwooten@nvdaily.com
**************************************************
12. LTE: Gun permit holders should have privacy
**************************************************
http://tinyurl.com/yqqwbd
roanoke.com
My response to the editorial, "Gun data belongs in public view" (Dec.
5):
To put it simply, it does not. Why does the paper wish to reveal the
names and addresses of law-abiding citizens who have been through a
background check and who have spent precious time and money to go
through a tedious process of training and authorization that is
supposed to lessen tensions for everyone concerned?
You may truly believe that the people have the right to know, but I
have to ask you: Why do they need to know?
Following your "people have the right to know" logic, would you post a
list of names and addresses of persons known to be gay? Would you post
a list of names and addresses of persons returning from military
service? How about posting the names, addresses and phone numbers of
all newspaper editors?
There are areas where privacy needs to be maintained. Concealed
handgun permit holders are definitely in that group. Look at the
"hullabaloo" your paper created in March for examples. It's not that
hard.
T.J. Parmele
Alexandria
**************************************************
13. Flashback to 1995: Relaxed CHP law causes alarm
**************************************************
Thanks to Monte Oaks for the link. What fun to look back at all the
panicky talk about how blood would be flowing in the streets because
Virginia had just become a 'shall-issue' state. All the crow that
these people were to end up eating could have complete fed the poorest
countries in Africa for a long time.
And lest you have forgotten about the bad old days, let this article
wake you up to just how far we have come since 1995!
My comments imbedded below:
http://tinyurl.com/yorwoy
scholar.lib.vt.edu
The Virginian-Pilot
Date: Wednesday, December 13, 1995
Section: Isle of Wight citizen
Type: cover story
Source: by Jody R. Snider, staff writer
Dateline: Isle of Wight
Cover story: Have gun, will travel . . . Since the state's relaxed
concealed weapons law took effect, in which virtually anyone can carry
one legally, the number of permits has exploded in western tidewater.
FOR STEPHEN D. LISTER, the daily routine of strapping on a gun has
become as natural as pulling on his pants.
He isn't a cop. He isn't a magistrate.
He's just an average citizen [PVC: OOOHHH, NOOOOO!], a Smithfield
resident who five months ago couldn't legally have carried a concealed
weapon on the streets during his normal, day-to-day activities.
But all that changed July 1, when the state's new concealed-weapons
law took effect, allowing virtually any Virginian 21 or older to carry
a gun if he or she doesn't have a criminal record.
"The question is, how far are you willing to go to protect yourself?"
Lister says. "My wife and I have made the commitment to go all the way
- to protect ourselves with our lives."
And the Listers have plenty of company.
Since the law took effect, the number of permits for concealed weapons
has exploded in western Tidewater.
In Isle of Wight County, 120 permits were granted from July to Nov.
22, more than triple the 39 permits granted for all of 1994, according
to figures from the county clerk's office.
In Suffolk, 353 permits were issued from July to Nov. 17, according to
circuit clerk's office figures. Only nine were issued for all of
1994. [PVC: Here is a reminder of just how unjust and unfair that
'may-issue' permits can be. The power to issue permits was horribly
abused during the 'may-issue' years. NINE people for all of
1994??!!??? Never, never again.]
Many other applications have been made since late November but haven't
been granted yet, Suffolk Circuit Court Clerk Henry C. Murden says.
"I don't know the answer as to why people are applying for gun
permits. I guess they're just exercising the right that they didn't
have before."
And Murden says he expects the applications for gun permits to level
off. [PVC: Hahahahahahaha! Boy was that prediction wrong!]
"I think it's dying off already." [PVC: ROFLMAO!!!]
Under the old concealed-weapons law, applicants had to appear before a
judge, who could deny the requests if applicants didn't offer
convincing reasons to carry a gun. [PVC: Can't you just feel the
nostalgia for that corrupt system that had just been overturned
dripping of the pages of this article?]
That was the case with Lister. He says he's felt for a long time that
he needed a handgun for protection. And he recalls an incident a few
years ago, when as he waited in traffic, he says, two men jumped out
of a car behind him, tried to open his car door and began pounding on
his windows.
But he couldn't convince a judge he really needed to carry a gun.
[PVC: Yes - that was the experience of Virginians over and over again
during the 'may-issue' years. In many places CHPs were a cruel
farce, especially if you were a female or minority.]
The new law restricts the grounds judges have to deny a permit for a
concealed weapon - and people like Lister are lining up to get them.
Even so, Murden and William E. Laine, Isle of Wight County's Circuit
Court clerk, don't see the soaring spike in applications as a
continuing trend, though both he and Murden do expect them to remain
well above the yearly average of permits issued from 1990 through
1994. For Isle of Wight County, that average was 34, for Suffolk 16.
[PVC: HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!]
"I expect the number of applications to settle to between 75 to 100 a
year," Laine says. [PVC: I hope that Laine stayed away from Las Vegas
during that time. His ability to predict things is severely in
question. He certainly didn't have his finger on the pulse of
Virginia gun owners!]
And, he adds, very few applications are denied.
That means there are a lot more people like Stephen Lister allowed to
carry handguns in western Tidewater than perhaps ever before.
Lister carries his, a Colt .45 Commander, in a shoulder holster,
usually when he is out with his family - including their 14-month-old
daughter - or they are traveling, though he does not take it to work,
he says.
"It's a natural for me to carry it. You should be serious about it if
you're going to carry a concealed weapon."
Many law enforcement officials in the area say they are alarmed over
the number of applications being filed and permits issued. [PVC: And
here come the Chiefs of Police, many of whom are nothing but political
hacks with a gun.]
"I don't like the law," Smithfield Police Chief Mark A. Marshall says.
"The fact that a person has gone through the steps to get a weapon
gives me cause to think they might use it. Why else would they have it?"
Suffolk Police Chief Gilbert F. Jackson agrees.
"It's a no-win in this one. If guns are accessible, they might get
used. But if you don't have a gun or knife in your pocket, you can't
cut or shoot."
Area law officers also say the new law will force them to be more
cautious when dealing with average citizens because now anyone could
be armed. [PVC: Well, those area law enforcement officers were fools
for not thinking that everyone they interacted with might be carrying
a gun even before the 'shall-issue' law came into effect!]
And society doesn't need more people toting guns on the streets and,
in some cases, bringing them into the workplace, says Isle of Wight
Commonwealth's Attorney W. Parker Councill. [PVC: There's that anti-
gun use of "toting" and the worn out cliche, "guns on the street."]
"Yes! They will carry them," he says. "You don't need a permit to keep
one in your house. And I don't like the idea of a lot of people
carrying concealed weapons on the streets. More guns means more people
getting killed." [PVC: No it doesn't! More anti-gun,
unsubstantiated BS.]
Isle of Wight Sheriff C.W. Phelps says he also is concerned that
people carrying concealed weapons might over-react in certain
situations. [PVC: Wrong again!]
"You have to justify any use of a firearm," he says. "There has to be
a life-threatening situation to use a firearm. It's the same thing I
tell my officers: They have to have no other means to defend
themselves."
But so far, Phelps says, shootings have not increased in the county or
in Smithfield since the concealed-weapons law went into effect.
[PVC: And they still haven't, 12 years later, even as the number of
permit holders continues to grow.]
Neither, apparently, has there been an increase in Suffolk.
"It appears that the gun permits have had no effect on shooting
situations in Suffolk," says Mike Simpkins, the Police Department's
public information officer.
And then there's the matter of training. Or lack of it, according to
critics who point out that only a minimum training course is required
to obtain a permit.
Yet in many places like Isle of Wight County and Suffolk, no handgun
training is even available, forcing applicants to take a hunter safety
course to fulfill the legal requirement or to find a handgun course
somewhere else.
Ask Murden or Laine where a handgun safety course is available, and
all they can tell you is to ask a gun seller, like Bob Lewis. He
offers a hunter safety course at his Carrollton Sportsman Shop in
Carrollton, and he says many of those who took that course this year
did it so they could get their concealed-weapons permits.
"As far as a person who has zero experience with handguns, this course
is not adequate," Lewis says. "There's just not enough time to go into
depth about handguns. But the course does meet the legal requirement
to obtain a permit."
After asking several gun sellers, The Citizen was referred to Bob's
Guns in Norfolk and A&P Arms in Virginia Beach. Each offers a three-
hour handgun safety course, Bob's for $29.95, A&P for $35.
Lister, who works as an audio visual technician, also believes
training is important. He says he shoots about 500 rounds a month.
"When you carry a gun, you carry the weight of responsibility. It's a
sobering thing to carry a firearm. If I'm in a traffic situation and
some guy cuts me off, I'm not going to yell at him - just because I
have the responsibility of carrying a concealed weapon. I don't want
to be put in any situation where I'd have to use my weapon."
Clifford Gail Clow Jr. says he carries a gun while traveling at night.
"I don't want to be one of those people who break down on the
interstate at night, and someone stops to help, shoots me and steals
my car," the 22-year-old Suffolk resident says.
He got his permit after the new law went into effect in July. He'd
tried to get one before but could offer no specific reason to carry a
gun.
Another Suffolk resident, Yvonne W. Beasley, 46, also carries a gun
while traveling alone at night and when transporting money. She is
president of a small construction company. She recently renewed her
gun permit.
"I would never go into a restaurant or a mall with a gun, although I
know there are people who do that," she says. "The problem is people
did that before the permit law went into effect."
And long before that law took effect, people carried guns for
protection - just a lot fewer of them than now.
One of them is a 53-year-old Smithfield businessman, who spoke to The
Citizen only on condition he not be named. He carried a handgun for
many years while working as an antique-gun salesman in another state.
"There's been five incidents in my life where I've actually needed a
gun.
"One time, I actually had to draw it. A man ran a stop sign, hit me,
and then wanted to fight about it. There were five guys in his car,
and they all got out, drunk. I was by myself, and I was carrying
$30,000 in guns and $15,000 in cash. When I pulled that gun out, that
ended the confrontation.
"They got back in the car."
He blames what he calls the "need" for a concealed-weapons law on the
judicial and penal systems.
"If crime and punishment were more balanced, there wouldn't be any
need to carry guns - and this law wouldn't be so readily embraced by
so many people.
"Our judicial and penal systems are a disgrace. They almost foster
crime because of the lack of punishment. The permit law has finally
given the normal citizen the ability to protect and defend himself
without becoming a criminal to do it."
However, law officials like Marshall argue that most crimes happen
quickly - so quickly that there's no time to reach for a gun. [PVC:
So I assume then that Chief Marshall and his officers didn't carry
guns because they wouldn't have time to reach for them anyhow? Like I
said, political hacks with guns.]
"Criminals are opportunists," Marshall says, "and there's no time to
get a gun when something does happen. The safe answer for citizens is
to become more aware of their surroundings," to anticipate potentially
dangerous situations and avoid them. [PVC: Of course it doesn't work
that way in real life. If you are alert, but unarmed, you are just
aware that you are about to be murdered a few seconds earlier.]
Isle of Wight Sheriff's Major David Cobb has done much of the
fingerprinting for those applying for concealed-weapons permits.
"When they come in, if I know them, I ask: `Why do you want this?'
Most of them say it's because it's their right. One of the problems
with society today is that too many people believe incidents have to
be resolved with guns.
"I've been in law enforcement 21 years, and I can count the times I've
had to pull mine with less than the fingers I have on one
hand." [PVC: Oh, please. It just takes ONE time to end your life.
You were lucky you were armed those times. But your wish to deny
others that same protection is disgusting.]
**************************************************
14. Crime in 'safe' areas worries many
**************************************************
There are no 100% safe areas.
http://tinyurl.com/3yss6j
dailypress.com
Crime in 'safe' areas worries many
The latest in a wave of violence committed by young people has
residents scared and willing to help police fight back.
By JENNIFER LATSON
247-4731
December 8, 2007
NEWPORT NEWS
A random shooting by a 14-year-old boy is the latest in a series of
crimes that have Newport News residents concerned that violence is
encroaching on parts of the city once considered safe.
One example: the well-lit mall parking lot where the boy is accused of
shooting a Newport News woman Tuesday evening among a throng of
holiday shoppers.
Police have struggled in recent years to get witnesses to come
forward. Now people are outraged enough, police said, that they are
starting to help investigators track the criminals who have terrorized
neighborhoods and, this week, made holiday shoppers change their habits.
Without the help of informants, police would have had a hard time
finding the boy accused of shooting 51-year-old Hyo Cabrera on
Tuesday. Cabrera, who was released from the hospital Thursday with a
bullet wound to her hand and thigh, was able to give police only a
very vague description of her assailant.
But detectives got enough information from callers to Crime Line, the
anonymous crime hot line, and from workers at Hines Middle School,
where the boy was a student, to make an arrest.
Police picked the boy up at a friend's house Thursday night.
Anonymous tips have also helped solve at least two homicides this
year, police said.
Last month, a tip led to an arrest in the shooting of 17-year-old
Ashton Studwell, found dead near the corner of 41st Street and Madison
Avenue after midnight on Nov. 13.
And earlier this year, tips from the public helped police make an
arrest within hours of the shooting death of 24-year-old Leon Lamont
Gordon, whose body was found in a field near his Traverse Road home on
July 1.
That's an improvement over a tradition of silence by crime witnesses,
police said.
Police Chief James Fox said Friday he believes the tendency toward
silence is starting to turn around.
"I personally think it has, and it's because we continue to go into
the community and build trust and ask for help," Fox said. "People are
stepping up." They see that the police can't stop crime alone, he
said, and they are doing what they can to bring justice to violent
teens like the suspect in Tuesday's shooting.
"Let's say we did not get this young person off the street. What are
the chances of him doing it again?" Fox asked.
Tips that led police to the boy, whom they are not naming because of
his age, also led them to a lake about 3 miles from Patrick Henry
Mall, where they searched Friday for the gun used in the shooting.
By sunset, they had come up short, but are confident enough in the
lead that they will resume the search today.
While divers combed the bottom of the lake, holiday shoppers combed
Newport News stores for gifts. But many said their attitude toward
their personal safety had changed in the past few days.
Some women were shopping in pairs because they were afraid to go out
alone.
Marietta Valentine, 61, brought her friend Kelli Cosgrove, 38, to
Patrick Henry Mall because, she said, "lighting could strike twice."
Neither of the Newport News women said they would shop at night.
Two Gloucester women shopping at the Jefferson Commons shopping
center, north of the mall, said they didn't feel safe in Newport News.
"That's why we're together, and in the daytime," said Theresa Shelton.
Even Newport News residents said they fear violence in parts of the
city that used to feel secure.
"You're not safe anywhere anymore," said Jeanette Picou. "It's
creeping into the safe neighborhoods now."
"You can get shot standing right here," said 17-year-old Kendall King,
standing in front of a Food Lion in Oyster Point Square, on Jefferson
Avenue north of J. Clyde Morris Boulevard. Police are using extra
patrols to try to keep the streets safe for shoppers, but the core of
the problem is that it's not unheard of for a 14-year-old to get ahold
of a gun, Fox said.
"This is an example of what can occur when young people get guns into
their hands," [PVC: BS. Lots of young people have guns and go
shooting. They do so with no one being in danger or getting hurt.
Juvenile delinquents are the problem, not guns. But anti-gunners tend
to be apologists for criminals.] he said. "I continue to ask myself
what do we need to do, as a community, as a society, to stop it? Maybe
our gun buyback program will help." [PVC: Maybe the tooth fairy is
in town, too?]
Police will give gun owners $100 gift vouchers for handing over their
firearms on Dec. 15, in the city's first gun buyback program in more
than two decades.
Picou hopes police will go after gun traffickers who deliver guns to
children. Otherwise, she said, gun violence will continue to spread
through the city.
"There are too many guns," agreed 60-year-old Linda Johnson. "So the
crime is going to spill over anywhere. It would be hard for police to
stop it, because those are all areas we thought were safe, and now
they're not."
**************************************************
15. Who needs a gun at a child's birthday party?
**************************************************
If you are unarmed, you and your family are at risk, regardless of who
you are or where you live or what you are doing:
http://tinyurl.com/yp87y3
wvec.com
Three killed at child's birthday party
03:19 PM EST on Monday, December 10, 2007
Associated Press & 13News
Three people died at a child's birthday party in Prince William County
Sunday.
A disgruntled and intoxicated ex-boyfriend opened fire at the party,
shooting five people, according to police. Three of the victims, all
adults, died. No children were hurt in the shooting.
The suspect, 39-year-old Anastacio Sanchez-Miranda, was arrested six
hours later in Pennsylvania.
Prince William County police believe the shooting stemmed from a
domestic dispute, First Sgt. Kim Chinn said. She said the mother of
Sanchez-Miranda's children was at the house but was not hurt.
The woman, who police believe was the intended target, had stayed
overnight at the house with her three children after a birthday party
for a 2-year-old, Chinn said.
Prince William County police identified the dead as Juan Manuel
Guevara, 28; Rosario Europa, 24; and Gerardo Lopez-Garcia, 25. They
said all three were residents of the house.
In addition, a 30-year-old man was in critical condition and an 18-
year-old man was in stable condition, police said.
Five children, ranging in age from 2 to 7, were in the house at the
time of the shooting but were not hurt, Chinn said.
**************************************************
16. Who needs a gun in a restaurant?
**************************************************
Thanks to Dave Neal for the link:
http://tinyurl.com/2g5rvs
registerbee.com
West Main Pizza Hut robbed last night
Danville Register and Bee
Tuesday, December 11, 2007
The Pizza Hut restaurant on West Main Street was robbed by two armed
men last night.
Danville police officers responded to a robbery call last night at
9:35 p.m. at Pizza Hut on West Main Street, according to a police
press release.
An employee reported that two suspects entered the store, produced
weapons and demanded money. The first suspect was a black male 6'2"
and approximately 205 pounds, wearing a brown hoodie and blue jeans,
with a blue bandanna covering his face. He was carrying a small black
handgun. The second suspect was a black male 6'2" and approximately
205 pounds, wearing a black hoodie, blue jeans and a bandanna of
unknown color covering his face. He was carrying a small silver handgun.
The employee gave the suspects an undisclosed amount of cash. They
departed the store in an unknown direction of travel. The police
investigation is ongoing.
Anyone with information about this incident is asked to contact
Danville Crimestoppers at (434) 793-0000, or via the crime tips line
at crimetips@ci.danville.va.us. Information given will remain
confidential. Citizens who contact Crimestoppers by phone may be
eligible for a cash reward of up to $1,000.00.
**************************************************
17. NoVA trail organization and gun club arrive at agreement
**************************************************
I received the following email from Dave Fedorchak. VCDL had covered
the Northern Virginia Gun Glub and the Dahlgren Railroad Heritage
Trail conflict last year:
--
I noticed that you make reference to the Dahlgren Railroad Heritage
Trail (DRHT) and concern over the possible impact on the Northern
Virginia Shooting Facility / Gun Club located in King George.
You may be interested to know that on Sept 22, 2007, the Friends and
supporters of the DRHT and the leadership of the gun club reached an
agreement that accommodates the interests of both groups.
(Announcement from website below.)
From the beginning, the Friends had always expressed a desire to work
with the Gun Club to reach an acceptable agreement. Thanks to sincere
efforts on both sides, I believe we have a satisfactory resolution to
this issue.
Regards,
Dave Fedorchak
Vice President, Friends of the DRHT
--
http://tinyurl.com/2xmznc (DRHT home page)
DRHT and Gun Club Arrive at Agreement: On September 22, the DRHT and
the Northern Virginia Shooting Facility signed an agreement that
enables trail users to pass though in safety while allowing gun club
members to resume use of their 200-yard rifle range. Much credit and
appreciation goes to the people on both sides who worked to make this
possible.
[/size][size="-1"]18 - 33 on next post...
[/size]
[size="-1"]----------------------------------------------------------------------
VCDL's Gun Dealer Legal Defense Fund -- help fight Mayor Bloomberg's
scheme to cripple Virginia firearms dealers. See:
http://www.vcdl.org/index.html#DefenseFund
----------------------------------------------------------------------
VCDL's meeting schedule: http://www.vcdl.org/meetings.html
----------------------------------------------------------------------
VCDL UPDATE 12/17/07 - Defending your right to defend yourself
Thought for the day: "While some people with guns do kill people,
it's the people without guns who get killed." -- Jack Shermahn
1. VCDL Meeting in Annandale on Thursday
2. VCDL Meeting in Richmond with Senator Cuccinelli
3. Articles needed for next Defender
4. Q&A: Guns in VA churches
5. Botetourt County still photographing CHP applicants?
6. Gun ban for EMS personnel lifted?
7. Tension among VA Democrats from different regions
8. VA-Pilot wants your guns registered through private sales
background checks
9. Gun show debate in the Valley
10. Count the guns, not the sellers
11. RT publication of permit holders backfires
12. LTE: Gun permit holders should have privacy
13. Flashback to 1995: Relaxed CHP law causes alarm
14. Crime in 'safe' areas worries many
15. Who needs a gun at a child's birthday party?
16. Who needs a gun in a restaurant?
17. NoVA trail organization and gun club arrive at agreement
18. Eyewitness account of Omaha mall shooting
19. Staying safe while you shop -- no answers here
20. Why would you need a gun in a church?
21. 'Dirty Harriet' saves the day in Colorado
22. Permit holder who stopped church shooter credits God
23. Police: Church gunman killed himself
24. Smear campaign against CO church permit holder underway
25. CO church killer acquired guns and ammo 'by the book'
26. LTE: When seconds count, the police are minutes away
27. Strong women own guns
28. Editorial: Holstered guns in open view don't belong on campus (UT)
29. Bill would let some college students tote guns (AL)
30. Gun ranges becoming extinct in New Jersey
31. Bloomberg wants to quiz candidates on guns
32. UK to ban samurai swords -- will bans on hands and feet follow soon?
33. No right to life without right to self-defense
**************************************************
1. VCDL Meeting in Annandale on Thursday
**************************************************
VCDL is having its monthly membership meeting this Thursday in
Annandale.
We will discuss your important role on VCDL Lobby Day, which will be
on January 21st, 2008.
Be sure to mark your calendars to come to Lobby Day and help VCDL get
its message out to YOUR delegate and senator.
As always, the meeting is open to the public, so bring friends,
family, and co-workers!
Fellowship starts at 7:30 PM. The meeting is called to order at 8:00
PM and adjourns at 9:30 PM.
Afterward we will go to a local restaurant for continued fellowship.
Carrying is legal at the government center where we hold the meeting.
If you plan on carrying at the restaurant afterwards you will need to
open carry, as the restaurant serves alcohol.
The address of the meeting is:
Mason District Governmental Center
6507 Columbia Pike
Annandale, VA 22003
For directions more information or directions, go to:
http://www.vcdl.org/meetings.html
**************************************************
2. VCDL Meeting in Richmond with Senator Cuccinelli
**************************************************
Like the meeting in Annadale this week, the next Richmond VCDL
Membership meeting will concentrate on lobbying the General Assembly,
of particular interest for those of you who are going to attend VCDL
Lobby Day.
REMINDER: VCDL Lobby Day is January 21st, 2008 - be sure to mark your
calendars to come to Lobby Day and help VCDL get its message out to
your Delegate and Senator.
As an extra bonus, Senator Ken Cuccinelli will address the group and
will be discussing the General Assembly, too. Senator Cuccinelli can
provide excellent insight into the internal workings of our government!
The meeting is going to be held on Wednesday, January 16th, 2008 at:
Tuckahoe Library
1901 Starling Drive
Richmond VA 23229-4607
http://www.co.henrico.va.us/library/Branches/tu.html
Directions: http://www.co.henrico.va.us/library/Branches/tudir.html
As always, the meeting is open to the public, so bring friends,
family, and co-workers!
Carry is legal at the library.
Fellowship starts at 6:30 PM. The meeting is called to order at 7:00
PM and adjourns at 8:30 PM.
Afterwards, we will go to a local restaurant for continued fellowship.
Let's have a big turnout for this meeting. See you there!
**************************************************
3. Articles needed for next Defender
**************************************************
VCDL's newsletter, THE DEFENDER, was mailed out to members last week.
Check your mailbox. It should be arriving any time now.
If you would like to submit an article for the next VCDL Defender
newsletter, email them to newsletter@vcdl.org by 1/25/08. The subject
can be anything about guns that you think your fellow gun owners would
be interested in - laws, shooting tips, gun reviews, experiences, etc.
**************************************************
4. Q&A: Guns in VA churches
**************************************************
I have received a ton of messages about carrying in churches. Many of
you thought it was illegal in Virginia. In general it is NOT illegal.
The only restriction is on carrying during a meeting for religious
purposes. So, if you are in the church when there is not a service or
other religious meeting in progress, you can carry.
If there is a service or other religious meeting happening, you can
carry if you have "good and sufficient reason." The law is unclear on
exactly what is considered a "good and sufficient reason." That
wording should allow a pretty broad set of things that would justify
carrying a gun.
For me, Al Qaeda is my good and sufficient reason. The government has
issued warnings about possible attacks by Islamic terrorists at non-
Islamic places of worship, as well as other venues.
And what happened in Colorado and other places in America shows that
we live under a constant threat by the criminally insane.
The penalty, if you are convicted of not having good and sufficient
reason by an unreasonable judge, is a Class 4 MISDEMEANOR, which is
the mildest of all crimes. No jail time and a maximum fine of not
more than $250 (plus any legal fees).
I am not a lawyer and can't give you legal advice. If you want to
carry in church during a religious meeting, you should talk to a
lawyer and make up your mind at that time as to whether you have "good
and sufficient reason."
Here is the actual code section:
--
18.2-283. Carrying dangerous weapon to place of religious worship.
If any person carry any gun, pistol, bowie knife, dagger or other
dangerous weapon, without good and sufficient reason, to a place of
worship while a meeting for religious purposes is being held at such
place he shall be guilty of a Class 4 misdemeanor.
**************************************************
5. Botetourt County still photographing CHP applicants?
**************************************************
It is not clear if Botetourt County is still illegally photographing
CHP applicants.
If you live in Botetourt County, let us know if they try to photograph
you when you or someone you know gets their first permit or renews
their existing CHP.
If they do try to photograph you, decline to let them do so and
contact us immediately.
**************************************************
6. Gun ban for EMS personnel lifted?
**************************************************
http://tinyurl.com/yucg6c (VDH home page)
From VCDL VP Jim Snyder:
--
Several weeks ago, I complained to the webmaster of a Virginia EMS
website about their inaccurate version of 18.2-308. The webmaster said
it'd be fixed, and now I get this email.
I'd have to go back and make sure, but I it sounds like he's saying
that they no longer enforce the "no guns for EMS personnel" ban they
used to have. [PVC: I believe that to be the case, based on an email
from December 2005, which follows.]
[Virginia Department of Health to Jim]
Sir,
Thank you for writing and bringing to our attention the error as
posted on our Web page. It took us a while to figure out how this
occurred, but it was a conversion issue that has been resolved.
As we no longer enforce the section of the regulations this pertains
to (12 VAC 5-31-700 (6) EMS Vehicle Safety, the reference has been
removed from our Web page. When the next generation of the EMS
Regulations is published, the wording will be removed from the
regulations as well.
Again, thank you for bringing this to our attention.
Michael D. Berg, AAS, NREMT-P
Manager, Regulation and Compliance
Office of Emergency Medical Services Virginia Department of Health
--
From VCDL UPDATE 12-18-05, item #7:
For those who have been on this list for a while, you might recall our
efforts to get a repeal on a regulation that prohibited EMS personnel
with CHPs from carrying on ambulances. On January 17th, 2003 I sent
out an update stating that we had won.
We did, but one part of the law was inadvertently left on the books. A
few of our members found this recently and one contacted the Office of
Emergency Medical Services (OEMS) about the problem.
The member was told that the OEMS was aware of the problem and the
regulation was NOT being enforced.
That's good but they need to get the regulation completely off the
books anyhow!
Here is the email from OEMS to our member:
From: Michael Berg
Sent: Friday, December 16, 2005 3:59 PM
To: xxx
Cc: Gary Brown
Subject: Weapons and EMS
Dear Mr. xxx,
As the Manager for the Regulation and Compliance Division for the
Office of Emergency Medical Services, Mr. Brown has asked that I reply
to your inquiry. Your question concerns the ability for EMS providers
to be able to carry weapons during the course of their duties,
especially while on an ambulance or responding to a request for
assistance.
When the current version of the EMS Regulations were being promulgated
(January 15, 2003), there was indeed a proposed regulation disallowing
the carrying of weapons by EMS personnel on an ambulance. There was a
mounted campaign against such a proposal and indeed the proposed
regulation was withdrawn. Unfortunately, in another section of the
regulations, specifically, 12 VAC 5-31- 700 EMS Safety (6) in part
states, “Possession of a firearm, weapon, or explosive or incendiary
device on any EMS vehicle is prohibited, except…” This was to have
been removed during the revision process and simply was an oversight.
We have administratively directed our field staff to not enforce this
specific provision of the regulations.
I hope this answers your questions and addresses your concerns. Please
feel free to call on me should we be of any additional assistance.
Michael D. Berg
Manager, Regulation and Compliance
Virginia Office of EMS
109 Governor Street, Suite UB-55
Richmond, Virginia 23219
(804)864-7615 (Office)
(804)864-7580 (Fax)
(800)523-6019 (Virginia only)
Michael.Berg@vdh.virginia.gov
**************************************************
7. Tension among VA Democrats from different regions
**************************************************
"'Hopefully, Democrats have learned the lessons of the last few
years,' Diyorio said."
I agree - Democrats should now be very aware that gun control is a
LOSER. The rural Democrats are very much aware of that and are very
concerned over where the Democratic Senators from the urban areas
might try to take the state:
http://tinyurl.com/2emm2f
washingtonpost.com
Tensions Could Hurt Majority in Va. Senate
Rural Democrats Fear They'll Be Swept Aside
By Tim Craig
Washington Post Staff Writer
Tuesday, December 11, 2007; B01
RICHMOND -- The power shift in the state Senate to Democrats from
suburban and urban areas is causing tension with their rural
colleagues and raising fresh questions about the party's health in
south-central and southwestern Virginia.
When the Senate convenes in January, Democrats will take over from
Republicans for the first time since the 1990s. The new majority will
set a milestone in Virginia politics, installing women, minorities and
men from the suburbs in all committee chairmanships.
Incoming Senate Majority Leader Richard L. Saslaw (D-Fairfax) said the
changes could mean more money for projects in Hampton Roads and
Northern Virginia, the economic engines of the state.
But as Democrats from those areas exert growing influence, some party
leaders fear the rural Democrats who dominated state politics for more
than a century could be pushed aside.
"I think there is already some tension," said Sen. Phillip P. Puckett
(D-Russell), who represents coal country in southwestern Virginia. "I
have just asked for some fairness. I understand the seniority system,
but at the same time, rural Democratic legislators are concerned."
Virginia Democrats might experience some of the rifts between suburban
and rural interests that have hampered Republicans for years. With a
21 to 19 majority in the Senate, Democrats have little room for
dissent if they want to pass bills.
Saslaw acknowledges that the party is facing growing pains after
picking up the four seats needed to retake the Senate last month. But
he says Democrats have long heard complaints from Northern Virginians
that too much power was concentrated in rural areas.
Republicans sense an opportunity to build strength in rural parts of
the state, cementing their status as the firewall for GOP candidates
in statewide elections.
"They named their committee chairs and made a big point of them being
from Northern Virginia and many being minority," said Virginia GOP
Chairman John H. Hager. "If they rub that in too much, there might be
some people who have a little reaction to that."
Although the rise of Democrats in Virginia reflects their success in
rapidly growing and diversifying Northern Virginia and Hampton Roads,
the party has struggled to make gains in more rural areas.
Despite spending major money in legislative races, Democrats failed to
pick up rural House or Senate seats this year.
Hager said Virginia is now "a red state and a blue state all in one
state." He added: "We will be very strong in the rural areas for a
long time. It's the NASCAR crowd. It's our crowd."
Statewide, Republican House candidates received 100,000 more votes
than Democrats. As they prepare for next year's presidential and U.S.
Senate races, Democrats might have to find a way to boost their appeal
in rural areas if they want to build a lasting majority in the state.
"It is going to be a challenge," said Sean T. O'Brien, executive
director of the Sorensen Institute for Political Leadership in
Charlottesville. "The power base for Democrats has shifted to suburban
Democrats. There is a fear the rural Democrats are going to be
forgotten. If Democrats do that, they are writing their own epitaph."
Puckett said he is confident his colleagues in Northern Virginia and
Hampton Roads "won't abandon" him. But he said the four senators from
southwestern and rural southern Virginia could become swing votes if
they feel they are being taken for granted.
Puckett and Sen. William Roscoe Reynolds (D-Franklin) represent two
districts in southwestern Virginia that usually vote Republican in
statewide elections because their regions tend to be conservative on
cultural issues. Sen. R. Creigh Deeds (D-Bath) and Sen. John S.
Edwards (D-Roanoke) represent more Democratic-leaning districts in
southwestern and southern Virginia. But Deeds and Edwards represent
many residents with conservative views, as evidenced by their strong
opposition to gun control.
Deeds said the new majority will have to work hard to avoid dissension.
"Many people in rural areas view the Democrats with suspicion because
of the positions we take on social issues," Deeds said. "We have to do
a better job of talking the language that all people understand. We as
Democrats need to get back to basics and talk about building the
economy, an issue that unites us."
U.S. Rep. Rick Boucher (D), who represents southwestern Virginia, said
he's confident Democrats in Richmond will respond to the needs of
rural Virginia by investing in economic development and transportation
improvements.
"There is tremendous cohesiveness in the Senate," said Boucher, who
served there from 1974 to 1983. "The people of influence have been
there for a long time. . . . These are individuals who truly encompass
a vision for the entire state."
But the effort to unite Senate Democrats around a message of economic
populism might be hampered by a split over who should be named to the
powerful Finance Committee.
Four slots on the committee will open up for Democrats when the
General Assembly convenes. Democrats from southwestern Virginia argue
they should get some of those slots, but the Senate's tradition of
rewarding seniority could mean senators from other parts of the state
get the plum seats.
"We are going to try to accommodate everyone, but basically this is
the fall of the cards through the seniority system," Saslaw said.
Saslaw noted that Reynolds has been named deputy floor leader, which
he said proves that the Democratic leadership is geographically
diverse. Reynolds declined to comment.
Sen. R. Edward Houck (D-Spotsylvania) said the seniority system is
"creating a huge geographic imbalance."
"Our majority is very tenuous," said Houck, who will chair the
Education and Health Committee. "We got a very small majority to go
around. Why do all the new chairmen also get the good committee
assignments?"
The debate over the future of rural Democrats strikes a sensitive
chord in Virginia because experts say rural voters are torn between
the parties.
The trend, which has played out across the South, has been evident in
presidential elections.
In the 1990s, Bill Clinton carried southwestern Virginia's 9th
Congressional District in both his elections. In this decade,
President Bush has racked up huge margins in the region, including a
52,000-vote advantage over Sen. John F. Kerry (D-Mass.) in 2004.
Democrats have remained optimistic about their fortunes in the region
because Mark R. Warner handily won southwestern Virginia in his 2001
run for governor. If Warner can do the same in his bid for the U.S.
Senate next year, he will almost certainly be elected, because he is
expected to run strong in vote-rich Northern Virginia. Democrats also
picked up a dozen county offices in southwestern Virginia last month,
which Boucher said bodes well for the long-term health of the party.
Democratic strategist Dave "Mudcat" Saunders, who specializes in rural
politics, said the party's prospects are improving in the South
because the racial politics that helped drive rural voters to
Republican candidates are subsiding.
Saunders and other Democratic strategists caution that the party still
faces considerable challenges in Virginia, in part because of voter
impressions of Democrats in Washington.
"This is still the Bible Belt," said Linda Diyorio, a strategist for
Boucher. "The issues on the plate nationally -- guns, abortion, gay
rights -- are issues that a lot of voters look at to form their
perspective."
If those issues don't consume Virginia Democrats, Diyorio said, she is
confident that the party's prospects will continue to improve in rural
parts of the state, assuming there isn't a lot of intraparty
squabbling in Richmond.
"Hopefully, Democrats have learned the lessons of the last few years,"
Diyorio said.
**************************************************
8. VA-Pilot wants your guns registered through private sales
background checks
**************************************************
http://tinyurl.com/2ymzjf
hamptonroads.com
Make all gun sales subject to checks
Virginia has tough penalties for those convicted of illegal possession
of a weapon. Violent felons spend at least five years in prison if
they're caught with a gun.
It seems incongruous to punish people for doing something the law
allows. In Virginia, anyone, criminals included, can buy a gun without
undergoing a criminal background check if they buy from a hobbyist,
not a licensed dealer.
Last week, Gov. Tim Kaine correctly said the legislature needs to fix
that and require background checks on all private gun sales. "You
either want folks who are felons to have guns, or you don't." [PVC:
Based on that logic we need to require *all* government officials,
including the Governor, to have regular, but unannounced drug tests.
Who would object to such thing? After all, you either want drug
addicts running the government or you don't.]
The International Association of Chiefs of Police supports background
checks for all gun sales. Period. [PVC: Yes, and that group's disdain
for private gun ownership has been well documented over the years.]
And the Virginia Tech Review Panel, which investigated the April 16
shootings, recommended that lawmakers eliminate exemptions, including
the one known as the gun-show loophole, that allow criminals and
people with dangerous mental illnesses to buy guns. [PVC: Why? Cho
(VT shooter) and Murray (Colorado shooter) didn't buy their guns from
private sellers. But, as usual, gun control never makes any sense.]
Background checks, said panel chairman and retired state police
superintendent Gerald Massengill, don't curb law-abiding citizens, but
they might keep guns out of the hands of people who shouldn't have
them. [PVC: But forcing background checks for private sales closes
the freedom loophole, increase the price of the transaction, and
potentially increase the liability & cost to dealers who perform the
background check on the behalf of private individuals. We will fight
any attempt to do so quite vociferously.]
The law allows domestic abusers, drug addicts and people found to be
mentally ill to bypass licensed gun dealers, who are required under
federal law to do instant background checks on buyers for a small
fee. [PVC: The law (GCA 1986 - 18 USC 926) also protects law-abiding
gun owners from gun registration. Gun registration is the first step
in gun confiscation some day down the road.]
Too many guns have landed in the wrong hands. The shootings at
Virginia Tech, at the mall in Nebraska, at a church and a missionary
training school in Colorado, have made that clear. [PVC: And nothing
you can do can or will prevent people who want guns to get them. One
thing those incidents have shown is that a determined murderer will
take his time getting his weapons.]
It's time for the legislature, at the start of its 2008 session, to
say: Enough. There's no reason to have a legal way for a criminal to
get a gun. [PVC: Who edits this crap at the Virginian-Pilot? There
is NO LEGAL WAY FOR A CRIMINAL TO GET A GUN!!! If a criminal buys a
gun from a private seller now it is every bit as illegal as buying a
gun from a dealer!!! It doesn't matter how they get the gun. Under
federal law, the second they touch a gun, it is a felony! I wish the
Virginian-Pilot would give me a call to check their facts before
printing things that are factually incorrect.]
**************************************************
9. Gun show debate in the Valley
**************************************************
http://tinyurl.com/2gqfn3
whsv.com
Gun Show Debate in the Valley
Rockingham County
Posted: 6:42 PM Dec 8, 2007
Last Updated: 1:35 PM Dec 10, 2007
Reporter: James Jackson
Email Address: jjackson@whsv.com
Gun Show Debate Comes to the Valley
Virginia lawmakers are working to create legislation that would
require background checks at gun shows.
Lee Kern has been involved in gun shows for more than 16 years as an
attendee and now attendant. He shares an opinion with others at the
gun show in Rockingham County who are familiar with the ongoing gun
show loophole debate.
Those in favor of the legislation say there should be background
checks for people who purchase guns at these kinds of shows.
"I think that requiring a background check on a personal transaction
between two individuals, neither of which are federally licensed, is
kind of an invasion of them being able to trade their own personal
property," says Kern.
State Senator Emmett Hanger says there is no loophole and the 2nd
Amendment right of Virginians needs to be protected.
"We can better keep firearms out of the hand of people who are
predisposed to violence. I think that's a legitimate conversation. All
I'm saying is the conversation needs to be a whole lot broader than
what is referred to as the gun show loophole," says Hanger.
Those in favor of the loophole cite the tragedy at Virginia Tech as
the main reason to meet certain criteria. In several published
reports, Governor Tim Kaine has spoken openly in favor of closing the
loophole.
He says, "I'm going to be very aggressive. One thing you can count on,
that bill will be introduced." [PVC: If only he was as aggressive in
protecting our right to bear arms. VCDL expects that bill to be
introduced each year, as it is the main bill that the anti-gunners are
trying to hang their hats on, so this is not particular surprise.]
Several visitors to Sunday's gun show agree on one thing.
"I think it's definitely a place where the government doesn't need to
stick their nose," says Kern.
One of the gun show promoters says 95 percent of the sellers at this
particular show do require background checks.
**************************************************
10. Count the guns, not the sellers
**************************************************
Member Dr. Jerry Coffey understand statistics. He dealt with them
professionally at the highest levels in government. He sent me this
email pointing out what dirty tricks the anti-gunners use to twist
statistics into misleading sound-bites. I will be sure to point out
this trick to reporters in the future:
--
Re: "Anti-Gun Group claims third of gun show vendors unlicensed," VCDL
Update 12/12/07
The scam in the Barbara King article is not the traditional "vendor"
scam; it is based on another statistical trick. She refers to "firearm
sellers" rather than "vendors." Trader Jerry and Dark Sun are two
firearms sellers (with thousands of fully documented gun show sales)
-- so (possibly) is the guy who buys a ticket and tries to find some
interest in the rifle he carries on his shoulder.
Note that there are three potential "firearms sellers" here -- one
individual who may or may not sell his personal rifle, and two high-
volume dealers who will make almost all the firearms sales at the
show. If the private seller is successful in this hypothetical gun
show, he will represent 33% of the "firearms sellers", but probably 1%
or less of firearms SALES.
I pointed this out to an NBC news crew at a Roanoke show -- count the
guns, not the sellers -- there were several thousand firearms offered
for sale on the floor and only one person in sight carrying a gun. (It
is possible that gun had been purchased from a dealer, but I didn't
want to gild the lilly.)
So, yes, this is statistical fraud of the grossest form, but it is a
different scam from the "vendor" scam they were peddling last month.
Dr. Jerry L. Coffey
Mathematical Statistician
**************************************************
11. RT publication of permit holders backfires
**************************************************
http://tinyurl.com/38pxlk
nvdaily.com
Top of the Morning by Bob Wooten: Paper's project backfired
By Bob Wooten -- Daily Managing Editor
Virginia is about to set an odd precedent under the law of unintended
consequences.
The case involves gun rights, individual privacy concerns, the
Internet and the First Amendment.
It started with a southwest Virginia newspaper project aimed at
educating readers about the state's open records law. Unfortunately,
that well-meaning exercise may end up narrowing access to public
information in Virginia.
In March, The Roanoke Times, one of Virginia's largest newspapers,
launched a project highlighting Sunshine Week, an annual recognition
of the importance of open government in our society. As part of the
project, the Times published on its Web site a searchable database of
Virginians holding permits to carry a concealed weapon.
The database was obtained from the Virginia State Police under the
Freedom of Information Act.
As one Times writer, Christian Trejbal put it, "You can search to find
out if neighbors, carpool partners, elected officials or anyone else
has permission to carry a gun."
It took about 24 hours for the hue and cry to descend on the Roanoke
newspaper offices.
The Times fielded hundreds of complaints from gun owners and advocates
angered by publication of the database. Some pointed out that it also
allowed you to find out whether crime victims or witnesses had
obtained a gun permit.
The newspaper's publisher quickly pulled the plug on the online feature.
Too late, though. The machinery already had been set in motion to make
access to these public records more difficult.
The state police began denying access to the database earlier this
year, and on Monday the state Freedom of Information Advisory Council
endorsed legislation that would exempt the database from FOIA.
Don't be surprised when the General Assembly convenes next month if
this sails through. With the interests of the First and Second
amendments at odds, lawmakers are going to see a lot more benefits in
pleasing gun owners than open government advocates.
One fact lost in much of the chatter about this measure is that the
individual records of gun permits are still out there -- tucked away
in dusty file cabinets at courthouses across the state. Anyone willing
to do some digging still can find out who's packing heat and who
isn't. Like it or not, a judge has to grant a concealed carry permit
and the matter is put on file in court records that are open to all.
Nonetheless, the public's access to information will be lessened, and
the state's vital FOIA law weakened.
I doubt that's the result the editors at The Roanoke Times were
expecting. In fact, I know where they were coming from when they
offered this tool to readers. Newspapers are desperately looking for
ways to connect with people online, and one way is to offer useful
interactive tools.
But the Times' experience is a cautionary tale for all journalists
navigating the reefs and shoals of the Internet. We're working with a
powerful new technology, and we have to exercise great care when we
use it.
In this case, an effort to promote open government backfired and
actually closed the door a little.
Bob Wooten is the managing editor of the Daily. Contact him at (800)
296-5137 or at bwooten@nvdaily.com
**************************************************
12. LTE: Gun permit holders should have privacy
**************************************************
http://tinyurl.com/yqqwbd
roanoke.com
My response to the editorial, "Gun data belongs in public view" (Dec.
5):
To put it simply, it does not. Why does the paper wish to reveal the
names and addresses of law-abiding citizens who have been through a
background check and who have spent precious time and money to go
through a tedious process of training and authorization that is
supposed to lessen tensions for everyone concerned?
You may truly believe that the people have the right to know, but I
have to ask you: Why do they need to know?
Following your "people have the right to know" logic, would you post a
list of names and addresses of persons known to be gay? Would you post
a list of names and addresses of persons returning from military
service? How about posting the names, addresses and phone numbers of
all newspaper editors?
There are areas where privacy needs to be maintained. Concealed
handgun permit holders are definitely in that group. Look at the
"hullabaloo" your paper created in March for examples. It's not that
hard.
T.J. Parmele
Alexandria
**************************************************
13. Flashback to 1995: Relaxed CHP law causes alarm
**************************************************
Thanks to Monte Oaks for the link. What fun to look back at all the
panicky talk about how blood would be flowing in the streets because
Virginia had just become a 'shall-issue' state. All the crow that
these people were to end up eating could have complete fed the poorest
countries in Africa for a long time.
And lest you have forgotten about the bad old days, let this article
wake you up to just how far we have come since 1995!
My comments imbedded below:
http://tinyurl.com/yorwoy
scholar.lib.vt.edu
The Virginian-Pilot
Date: Wednesday, December 13, 1995
Section: Isle of Wight citizen
Type: cover story
Source: by Jody R. Snider, staff writer
Dateline: Isle of Wight
Cover story: Have gun, will travel . . . Since the state's relaxed
concealed weapons law took effect, in which virtually anyone can carry
one legally, the number of permits has exploded in western tidewater.
FOR STEPHEN D. LISTER, the daily routine of strapping on a gun has
become as natural as pulling on his pants.
He isn't a cop. He isn't a magistrate.
He's just an average citizen [PVC: OOOHHH, NOOOOO!], a Smithfield
resident who five months ago couldn't legally have carried a concealed
weapon on the streets during his normal, day-to-day activities.
But all that changed July 1, when the state's new concealed-weapons
law took effect, allowing virtually any Virginian 21 or older to carry
a gun if he or she doesn't have a criminal record.
"The question is, how far are you willing to go to protect yourself?"
Lister says. "My wife and I have made the commitment to go all the way
- to protect ourselves with our lives."
And the Listers have plenty of company.
Since the law took effect, the number of permits for concealed weapons
has exploded in western Tidewater.
In Isle of Wight County, 120 permits were granted from July to Nov.
22, more than triple the 39 permits granted for all of 1994, according
to figures from the county clerk's office.
In Suffolk, 353 permits were issued from July to Nov. 17, according to
circuit clerk's office figures. Only nine were issued for all of
1994. [PVC: Here is a reminder of just how unjust and unfair that
'may-issue' permits can be. The power to issue permits was horribly
abused during the 'may-issue' years. NINE people for all of
1994??!!??? Never, never again.]
Many other applications have been made since late November but haven't
been granted yet, Suffolk Circuit Court Clerk Henry C. Murden says.
"I don't know the answer as to why people are applying for gun
permits. I guess they're just exercising the right that they didn't
have before."
And Murden says he expects the applications for gun permits to level
off. [PVC: Hahahahahahaha! Boy was that prediction wrong!]
"I think it's dying off already." [PVC: ROFLMAO!!!]
Under the old concealed-weapons law, applicants had to appear before a
judge, who could deny the requests if applicants didn't offer
convincing reasons to carry a gun. [PVC: Can't you just feel the
nostalgia for that corrupt system that had just been overturned
dripping of the pages of this article?]
That was the case with Lister. He says he's felt for a long time that
he needed a handgun for protection. And he recalls an incident a few
years ago, when as he waited in traffic, he says, two men jumped out
of a car behind him, tried to open his car door and began pounding on
his windows.
But he couldn't convince a judge he really needed to carry a gun.
[PVC: Yes - that was the experience of Virginians over and over again
during the 'may-issue' years. In many places CHPs were a cruel
farce, especially if you were a female or minority.]
The new law restricts the grounds judges have to deny a permit for a
concealed weapon - and people like Lister are lining up to get them.
Even so, Murden and William E. Laine, Isle of Wight County's Circuit
Court clerk, don't see the soaring spike in applications as a
continuing trend, though both he and Murden do expect them to remain
well above the yearly average of permits issued from 1990 through
1994. For Isle of Wight County, that average was 34, for Suffolk 16.
[PVC: HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!]
"I expect the number of applications to settle to between 75 to 100 a
year," Laine says. [PVC: I hope that Laine stayed away from Las Vegas
during that time. His ability to predict things is severely in
question. He certainly didn't have his finger on the pulse of
Virginia gun owners!]
And, he adds, very few applications are denied.
That means there are a lot more people like Stephen Lister allowed to
carry handguns in western Tidewater than perhaps ever before.
Lister carries his, a Colt .45 Commander, in a shoulder holster,
usually when he is out with his family - including their 14-month-old
daughter - or they are traveling, though he does not take it to work,
he says.
"It's a natural for me to carry it. You should be serious about it if
you're going to carry a concealed weapon."
Many law enforcement officials in the area say they are alarmed over
the number of applications being filed and permits issued. [PVC: And
here come the Chiefs of Police, many of whom are nothing but political
hacks with a gun.]
"I don't like the law," Smithfield Police Chief Mark A. Marshall says.
"The fact that a person has gone through the steps to get a weapon
gives me cause to think they might use it. Why else would they have it?"
Suffolk Police Chief Gilbert F. Jackson agrees.
"It's a no-win in this one. If guns are accessible, they might get
used. But if you don't have a gun or knife in your pocket, you can't
cut or shoot."
Area law officers also say the new law will force them to be more
cautious when dealing with average citizens because now anyone could
be armed. [PVC: Well, those area law enforcement officers were fools
for not thinking that everyone they interacted with might be carrying
a gun even before the 'shall-issue' law came into effect!]
And society doesn't need more people toting guns on the streets and,
in some cases, bringing them into the workplace, says Isle of Wight
Commonwealth's Attorney W. Parker Councill. [PVC: There's that anti-
gun use of "toting" and the worn out cliche, "guns on the street."]
"Yes! They will carry them," he says. "You don't need a permit to keep
one in your house. And I don't like the idea of a lot of people
carrying concealed weapons on the streets. More guns means more people
getting killed." [PVC: No it doesn't! More anti-gun,
unsubstantiated BS.]
Isle of Wight Sheriff C.W. Phelps says he also is concerned that
people carrying concealed weapons might over-react in certain
situations. [PVC: Wrong again!]
"You have to justify any use of a firearm," he says. "There has to be
a life-threatening situation to use a firearm. It's the same thing I
tell my officers: They have to have no other means to defend
themselves."
But so far, Phelps says, shootings have not increased in the county or
in Smithfield since the concealed-weapons law went into effect.
[PVC: And they still haven't, 12 years later, even as the number of
permit holders continues to grow.]
Neither, apparently, has there been an increase in Suffolk.
"It appears that the gun permits have had no effect on shooting
situations in Suffolk," says Mike Simpkins, the Police Department's
public information officer.
And then there's the matter of training. Or lack of it, according to
critics who point out that only a minimum training course is required
to obtain a permit.
Yet in many places like Isle of Wight County and Suffolk, no handgun
training is even available, forcing applicants to take a hunter safety
course to fulfill the legal requirement or to find a handgun course
somewhere else.
Ask Murden or Laine where a handgun safety course is available, and
all they can tell you is to ask a gun seller, like Bob Lewis. He
offers a hunter safety course at his Carrollton Sportsman Shop in
Carrollton, and he says many of those who took that course this year
did it so they could get their concealed-weapons permits.
"As far as a person who has zero experience with handguns, this course
is not adequate," Lewis says. "There's just not enough time to go into
depth about handguns. But the course does meet the legal requirement
to obtain a permit."
After asking several gun sellers, The Citizen was referred to Bob's
Guns in Norfolk and A&P Arms in Virginia Beach. Each offers a three-
hour handgun safety course, Bob's for $29.95, A&P for $35.
Lister, who works as an audio visual technician, also believes
training is important. He says he shoots about 500 rounds a month.
"When you carry a gun, you carry the weight of responsibility. It's a
sobering thing to carry a firearm. If I'm in a traffic situation and
some guy cuts me off, I'm not going to yell at him - just because I
have the responsibility of carrying a concealed weapon. I don't want
to be put in any situation where I'd have to use my weapon."
Clifford Gail Clow Jr. says he carries a gun while traveling at night.
"I don't want to be one of those people who break down on the
interstate at night, and someone stops to help, shoots me and steals
my car," the 22-year-old Suffolk resident says.
He got his permit after the new law went into effect in July. He'd
tried to get one before but could offer no specific reason to carry a
gun.
Another Suffolk resident, Yvonne W. Beasley, 46, also carries a gun
while traveling alone at night and when transporting money. She is
president of a small construction company. She recently renewed her
gun permit.
"I would never go into a restaurant or a mall with a gun, although I
know there are people who do that," she says. "The problem is people
did that before the permit law went into effect."
And long before that law took effect, people carried guns for
protection - just a lot fewer of them than now.
One of them is a 53-year-old Smithfield businessman, who spoke to The
Citizen only on condition he not be named. He carried a handgun for
many years while working as an antique-gun salesman in another state.
"There's been five incidents in my life where I've actually needed a
gun.
"One time, I actually had to draw it. A man ran a stop sign, hit me,
and then wanted to fight about it. There were five guys in his car,
and they all got out, drunk. I was by myself, and I was carrying
$30,000 in guns and $15,000 in cash. When I pulled that gun out, that
ended the confrontation.
"They got back in the car."
He blames what he calls the "need" for a concealed-weapons law on the
judicial and penal systems.
"If crime and punishment were more balanced, there wouldn't be any
need to carry guns - and this law wouldn't be so readily embraced by
so many people.
"Our judicial and penal systems are a disgrace. They almost foster
crime because of the lack of punishment. The permit law has finally
given the normal citizen the ability to protect and defend himself
without becoming a criminal to do it."
However, law officials like Marshall argue that most crimes happen
quickly - so quickly that there's no time to reach for a gun. [PVC:
So I assume then that Chief Marshall and his officers didn't carry
guns because they wouldn't have time to reach for them anyhow? Like I
said, political hacks with guns.]
"Criminals are opportunists," Marshall says, "and there's no time to
get a gun when something does happen. The safe answer for citizens is
to become more aware of their surroundings," to anticipate potentially
dangerous situations and avoid them. [PVC: Of course it doesn't work
that way in real life. If you are alert, but unarmed, you are just
aware that you are about to be murdered a few seconds earlier.]
Isle of Wight Sheriff's Major David Cobb has done much of the
fingerprinting for those applying for concealed-weapons permits.
"When they come in, if I know them, I ask: `Why do you want this?'
Most of them say it's because it's their right. One of the problems
with society today is that too many people believe incidents have to
be resolved with guns.
"I've been in law enforcement 21 years, and I can count the times I've
had to pull mine with less than the fingers I have on one
hand." [PVC: Oh, please. It just takes ONE time to end your life.
You were lucky you were armed those times. But your wish to deny
others that same protection is disgusting.]
**************************************************
14. Crime in 'safe' areas worries many
**************************************************
There are no 100% safe areas.
http://tinyurl.com/3yss6j
dailypress.com
Crime in 'safe' areas worries many
The latest in a wave of violence committed by young people has
residents scared and willing to help police fight back.
By JENNIFER LATSON
247-4731
December 8, 2007
NEWPORT NEWS
A random shooting by a 14-year-old boy is the latest in a series of
crimes that have Newport News residents concerned that violence is
encroaching on parts of the city once considered safe.
One example: the well-lit mall parking lot where the boy is accused of
shooting a Newport News woman Tuesday evening among a throng of
holiday shoppers.
Police have struggled in recent years to get witnesses to come
forward. Now people are outraged enough, police said, that they are
starting to help investigators track the criminals who have terrorized
neighborhoods and, this week, made holiday shoppers change their habits.
Without the help of informants, police would have had a hard time
finding the boy accused of shooting 51-year-old Hyo Cabrera on
Tuesday. Cabrera, who was released from the hospital Thursday with a
bullet wound to her hand and thigh, was able to give police only a
very vague description of her assailant.
But detectives got enough information from callers to Crime Line, the
anonymous crime hot line, and from workers at Hines Middle School,
where the boy was a student, to make an arrest.
Police picked the boy up at a friend's house Thursday night.
Anonymous tips have also helped solve at least two homicides this
year, police said.
Last month, a tip led to an arrest in the shooting of 17-year-old
Ashton Studwell, found dead near the corner of 41st Street and Madison
Avenue after midnight on Nov. 13.
And earlier this year, tips from the public helped police make an
arrest within hours of the shooting death of 24-year-old Leon Lamont
Gordon, whose body was found in a field near his Traverse Road home on
July 1.
That's an improvement over a tradition of silence by crime witnesses,
police said.
Police Chief James Fox said Friday he believes the tendency toward
silence is starting to turn around.
"I personally think it has, and it's because we continue to go into
the community and build trust and ask for help," Fox said. "People are
stepping up." They see that the police can't stop crime alone, he
said, and they are doing what they can to bring justice to violent
teens like the suspect in Tuesday's shooting.
"Let's say we did not get this young person off the street. What are
the chances of him doing it again?" Fox asked.
Tips that led police to the boy, whom they are not naming because of
his age, also led them to a lake about 3 miles from Patrick Henry
Mall, where they searched Friday for the gun used in the shooting.
By sunset, they had come up short, but are confident enough in the
lead that they will resume the search today.
While divers combed the bottom of the lake, holiday shoppers combed
Newport News stores for gifts. But many said their attitude toward
their personal safety had changed in the past few days.
Some women were shopping in pairs because they were afraid to go out
alone.
Marietta Valentine, 61, brought her friend Kelli Cosgrove, 38, to
Patrick Henry Mall because, she said, "lighting could strike twice."
Neither of the Newport News women said they would shop at night.
Two Gloucester women shopping at the Jefferson Commons shopping
center, north of the mall, said they didn't feel safe in Newport News.
"That's why we're together, and in the daytime," said Theresa Shelton.
Even Newport News residents said they fear violence in parts of the
city that used to feel secure.
"You're not safe anywhere anymore," said Jeanette Picou. "It's
creeping into the safe neighborhoods now."
"You can get shot standing right here," said 17-year-old Kendall King,
standing in front of a Food Lion in Oyster Point Square, on Jefferson
Avenue north of J. Clyde Morris Boulevard. Police are using extra
patrols to try to keep the streets safe for shoppers, but the core of
the problem is that it's not unheard of for a 14-year-old to get ahold
of a gun, Fox said.
"This is an example of what can occur when young people get guns into
their hands," [PVC: BS. Lots of young people have guns and go
shooting. They do so with no one being in danger or getting hurt.
Juvenile delinquents are the problem, not guns. But anti-gunners tend
to be apologists for criminals.] he said. "I continue to ask myself
what do we need to do, as a community, as a society, to stop it? Maybe
our gun buyback program will help." [PVC: Maybe the tooth fairy is
in town, too?]
Police will give gun owners $100 gift vouchers for handing over their
firearms on Dec. 15, in the city's first gun buyback program in more
than two decades.
Picou hopes police will go after gun traffickers who deliver guns to
children. Otherwise, she said, gun violence will continue to spread
through the city.
"There are too many guns," agreed 60-year-old Linda Johnson. "So the
crime is going to spill over anywhere. It would be hard for police to
stop it, because those are all areas we thought were safe, and now
they're not."
**************************************************
15. Who needs a gun at a child's birthday party?
**************************************************
If you are unarmed, you and your family are at risk, regardless of who
you are or where you live or what you are doing:
http://tinyurl.com/yp87y3
wvec.com
Three killed at child's birthday party
03:19 PM EST on Monday, December 10, 2007
Associated Press & 13News
Three people died at a child's birthday party in Prince William County
Sunday.
A disgruntled and intoxicated ex-boyfriend opened fire at the party,
shooting five people, according to police. Three of the victims, all
adults, died. No children were hurt in the shooting.
The suspect, 39-year-old Anastacio Sanchez-Miranda, was arrested six
hours later in Pennsylvania.
Prince William County police believe the shooting stemmed from a
domestic dispute, First Sgt. Kim Chinn said. She said the mother of
Sanchez-Miranda's children was at the house but was not hurt.
The woman, who police believe was the intended target, had stayed
overnight at the house with her three children after a birthday party
for a 2-year-old, Chinn said.
Prince William County police identified the dead as Juan Manuel
Guevara, 28; Rosario Europa, 24; and Gerardo Lopez-Garcia, 25. They
said all three were residents of the house.
In addition, a 30-year-old man was in critical condition and an 18-
year-old man was in stable condition, police said.
Five children, ranging in age from 2 to 7, were in the house at the
time of the shooting but were not hurt, Chinn said.
**************************************************
16. Who needs a gun in a restaurant?
**************************************************
Thanks to Dave Neal for the link:
http://tinyurl.com/2g5rvs
registerbee.com
West Main Pizza Hut robbed last night
Danville Register and Bee
Tuesday, December 11, 2007
The Pizza Hut restaurant on West Main Street was robbed by two armed
men last night.
Danville police officers responded to a robbery call last night at
9:35 p.m. at Pizza Hut on West Main Street, according to a police
press release.
An employee reported that two suspects entered the store, produced
weapons and demanded money. The first suspect was a black male 6'2"
and approximately 205 pounds, wearing a brown hoodie and blue jeans,
with a blue bandanna covering his face. He was carrying a small black
handgun. The second suspect was a black male 6'2" and approximately
205 pounds, wearing a black hoodie, blue jeans and a bandanna of
unknown color covering his face. He was carrying a small silver handgun.
The employee gave the suspects an undisclosed amount of cash. They
departed the store in an unknown direction of travel. The police
investigation is ongoing.
Anyone with information about this incident is asked to contact
Danville Crimestoppers at (434) 793-0000, or via the crime tips line
at crimetips@ci.danville.va.us. Information given will remain
confidential. Citizens who contact Crimestoppers by phone may be
eligible for a cash reward of up to $1,000.00.
**************************************************
17. NoVA trail organization and gun club arrive at agreement
**************************************************
I received the following email from Dave Fedorchak. VCDL had covered
the Northern Virginia Gun Glub and the Dahlgren Railroad Heritage
Trail conflict last year:
--
I noticed that you make reference to the Dahlgren Railroad Heritage
Trail (DRHT) and concern over the possible impact on the Northern
Virginia Shooting Facility / Gun Club located in King George.
You may be interested to know that on Sept 22, 2007, the Friends and
supporters of the DRHT and the leadership of the gun club reached an
agreement that accommodates the interests of both groups.
(Announcement from website below.)
From the beginning, the Friends had always expressed a desire to work
with the Gun Club to reach an acceptable agreement. Thanks to sincere
efforts on both sides, I believe we have a satisfactory resolution to
this issue.
Regards,
Dave Fedorchak
Vice President, Friends of the DRHT
--
http://tinyurl.com/2xmznc (DRHT home page)
DRHT and Gun Club Arrive at Agreement: On September 22, the DRHT and
the Northern Virginia Shooting Facility signed an agreement that
enables trail users to pass though in safety while allowing gun club
members to resume use of their 200-yard rifle range. Much credit and
appreciation goes to the people on both sides who worked to make this
possible.
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