T Dubya
Campaign Veteran
imported post
[align=left]Re: Jeremy M. Lazarus’ article, “Gun toters at City Hall,” Dec. 10-12 edition:[/align]
[align=left]Mr. Lazarus reported that on Nov. 23, 10 men showed up at the Richmond City Council meeting, some “brazenly” displaying their weapons. Several council members were quoted: “I was very uncomfortable,” “It wasn’t appropriate,” “I wasn’t very happy.” Each council member lamented, one way or another, that something ought to be done. Councilman E. Martin “Marty” Jewell stated: “We ought to be able to turn them away” while Councilman Bruce Tyler wondered, aloud, “Do I need a bulletproof vest?”[/align]
[align=left]Unfortunately, Council President Kathy C.Graziano was accurate when she stated: “I don’t think there is much we can do about it.” Normally, Section 15.2-1425 of the Code of Virginia would be the statute that would give the Richmond City Council (and other local governing bodies) the authority to “do something.” This code section states, simply: “The governing body of every locality in the performance of its duties, obligations, functions may adopt, as appropriate, ordinances, resolutions and motions.” However, sadly, the legislature also passed Section 15.2-915, which took away local government’s authority when it comes to possessing, transferring, transporting, etc. guns. Section 15.2- 915 and its companion statute, Section 15.2-915.1 (which preventscities and counties fromsuing gun manufacturers), are indefensible and need to be repealed as they unfairly and, many would say, unconstitutionally, restrict the authority of local governing bodies.[/align]
[align=left]Inexplicably, there are some gun proponents in the legislature who are truly desirous of putting as many guns in as many hands, and as often, as possible. These same legislators have stood up in the Virginia House of Delegates and proposed the following: Allowing students and teachers to carry guns on college campuses and buildings; allowing delegates to arm themselves on the floor of the Virginia House of Delegates; and allowing patrons to carry concealed weapons into bars where alcohol is served.[/align]
[align=left]It is interesting that several of these “progun” members of the House of Delegates also have repeatedly espoused views that favor limited government and “getting out of the way” when it comes to allowing local governmental bodies to fulfill their respective duties and obligations. However, when it comes to guns, it appears that these same legislators have no hesitation in enacting laws that interfere with these same local governmental bodies. This is truly a shame.[/align]
[align=left]JOSEPH D. MORRISSEY[/align]
[align=left]Henrico County[/align]
[align=left]The writer is a member of the Virginia House[/align]
of Delegates who represents the 74th District.
[align=left]Re: Jeremy M. Lazarus’ article, “Gun toters at City Hall,” Dec. 10-12 edition:[/align]
[align=left]Mr. Lazarus reported that on Nov. 23, 10 men showed up at the Richmond City Council meeting, some “brazenly” displaying their weapons. Several council members were quoted: “I was very uncomfortable,” “It wasn’t appropriate,” “I wasn’t very happy.” Each council member lamented, one way or another, that something ought to be done. Councilman E. Martin “Marty” Jewell stated: “We ought to be able to turn them away” while Councilman Bruce Tyler wondered, aloud, “Do I need a bulletproof vest?”[/align]
[align=left]Unfortunately, Council President Kathy C.Graziano was accurate when she stated: “I don’t think there is much we can do about it.” Normally, Section 15.2-1425 of the Code of Virginia would be the statute that would give the Richmond City Council (and other local governing bodies) the authority to “do something.” This code section states, simply: “The governing body of every locality in the performance of its duties, obligations, functions may adopt, as appropriate, ordinances, resolutions and motions.” However, sadly, the legislature also passed Section 15.2-915, which took away local government’s authority when it comes to possessing, transferring, transporting, etc. guns. Section 15.2- 915 and its companion statute, Section 15.2-915.1 (which preventscities and counties fromsuing gun manufacturers), are indefensible and need to be repealed as they unfairly and, many would say, unconstitutionally, restrict the authority of local governing bodies.[/align]
[align=left]Inexplicably, there are some gun proponents in the legislature who are truly desirous of putting as many guns in as many hands, and as often, as possible. These same legislators have stood up in the Virginia House of Delegates and proposed the following: Allowing students and teachers to carry guns on college campuses and buildings; allowing delegates to arm themselves on the floor of the Virginia House of Delegates; and allowing patrons to carry concealed weapons into bars where alcohol is served.[/align]
[align=left]It is interesting that several of these “progun” members of the House of Delegates also have repeatedly espoused views that favor limited government and “getting out of the way” when it comes to allowing local governmental bodies to fulfill their respective duties and obligations. However, when it comes to guns, it appears that these same legislators have no hesitation in enacting laws that interfere with these same local governmental bodies. This is truly a shame.[/align]
[align=left]JOSEPH D. MORRISSEY[/align]
[align=left]Henrico County[/align]
[align=left]The writer is a member of the Virginia House[/align]
of Delegates who represents the 74th District.
