The Connection Newspapers, August 4, 2004
 
Most people in Fairfax, Arlington and the City of Alexandria don’t want people carrying guns in most public places. We know this because each locality has elected officials that have voted to restrict guns from some places, like schools and government buildings.

In Virginia, however, localities like Fairfax County have only the power explicitly given to them by the General Assembly. And the General Assembly in Virginia has repeatedly demonstrated that it prefers to enforce its own opinions and will in Northern Virginia without regard to what local voters want.

The most recent interference came when the General Assembly put a stop to local background checks for gun purchasers, saying that the state background check, which literally takes only seconds, must suffice.

Meanwhile, some gun owners have discovered that it is legal to carry a gun if it is openly carried, whether or not the person carrying the gun has a concealed weapons permit.

And while so far the people carrying those guns seem more interested in making a constitutional point than brandishing weapons, we wonder if that will continue to be true. How will we all feel when suspected gang members walk the streets with their weapons swinging in the open to intimidate their rivals? What other motives might someone have for carrying a gun exposed on his hip?

Residents who have concerns about gun laws and the way they are imposed on localities should contact their representatives in the Virginia General Assembly. Look up your representatives at http://legis.state.va.us and click on “Citizen’s Guide.”

Del. Callahan, Vincent F., Jr. 34th R (804) 698-1034 (703) 356-1925
Del. Scott, James M. 53rd D (804) 698-1053 (703) 560-8338
Sen. Howell, Janet D. 32 D (804) 698-7532 (703) 709-8283