Va. Senate allows for side order of guns with every meal—bullets included
By Allison Moore / allison@theklaxon.com / 02.17.2010
Updated on: 02.17.10 at 12:35 am
John Darkow, Columbia Daily Tribune, Missouri/caglecartoons.com
In a recent vote, the Virginia Senate approved a measure that allows concealed weapon permit holders to carry guns in restaurants that serve alcohol, as long as the weapon holder does not consume alcohol. Debate over the Second Amendment ignites passions from both sides of the political spectrum, but I will admit that this latest development (in a state where I lived for two years) has left me a bit bewildered.
Maybe it’s the marathon of anti-gun episodes of The West Wing I indulged in while being snowed in for 12 days, but I’m having trouble understanding the need for this proposed law. The bill’s sponsor, Sen. Emmett Hanger (R-Augusta), said he wants to reduce a burden on people who currently carry concealed weapons but are forced to leave them in their car rather than carry them into such establishments. Hanger said he was particularly sensitive to women who carry guns in their purses to defend themselves when they go to Red Lobster (his words, not mine).
I’m sorry, but as a young woman living in a major metropolitan area, I honestly can say I’ve never felt the need to pack heat while on a dinner date. Last time I checked, we don’t live in the Wild West and the food you order on the menu is already dead. What’s wrong with leaving your gun in the car?
Supporters of the law basically are saying that people should carry guns to protect themselves from people with guns. That seems counterproductive to me. The proposed law prohibits those carrying concealed weapons in restaurants from consuming alcohol, but how will this be enforced? Will metal detectors identify who is carrying a gun? Will servers be required to ask all patrons before fulfilling their request for an alcoholic beverage? It’s pretty well known that some people do not hold their liquor well. Violence often accompanies alcohol consumption—add a few guns into the mix and it could be a recipe for disaster. Anyone is capable of going postal, whether they legally obtained their gun or not, and I honestly can’t say I’d feel safer knowing more people are carrying concealed weapons in public places.
According to the Washington Post, similar efforts to loosen gun restrictions are under way in Arizona, Mississippi, New Mexico, Utah and Wyoming. One bill under consideration in Arizona this year is a measure to allow residents to carry concealed weapons without a permit, basically abolishing existing training and certification requirements. Wyoming’s House enthusiastically passed a similar bill.
The Bill of Rights is important, and the Second Amendment certainly is an important part of that document. It’s a delicate balance trying to maintain the integrity of the Second Amendment while also protecting American citizen. This debate will likely continue for decades to come, and there may not be a right or wrong answer. As new gun laws continue to be formed and old ones repealed, let’s hope lawmakers don’t let personal freedom—and political gain—negatively impact personal safety.
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