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Monday, December 30, 2013

Bill Allowing Firearms at Private and Religious Schools Prefiled at General Assembly

Delegate Mark Cole has introduced HB114 that would repeal the prohibition for possession of a firearm on the property of a private or religious elementary, middle, or high school.  It would also apply to a school bus owned or operated by such school; or any property being used for functions or extracurricular activities sponsored by such school of a stun weapon, knife, or other weapon (currently a Class 1 misdemeanor) or a firearm (currently a Class 6 felony). The bill does not affect the criminal penalties for the possession of such weapons on public school property.

Should the bill pass, it will be good news for parents who have children attending private schools in that they would be able to carry their self-defense firearm when attending activities at the school or picking up the children at school.  It would also open the opportunity for private schools who want to allow teachers and staff to carry while at school.

Toby Keith Restaurant Management Explains "No Guns" Policy in Virginia Location

Until this story hit the wires over the weekend, I didn't even know that singer, songwriter, Toby Keith had a restaurant chain.  As is probably the case in most of these type of arrangements, Keith's actual involvement with the chain varies by location.  His newest location opened recently in Woodbridge, Virginia, a growing town in the crowded Northern Virginia county of Prince William.  The restaurant has posted a "No Guns" sign at it's entrance, something Virginia businesses are allowed to do under the law.  Very few restaurants have taken this action since Virginia lifted the ban on carrying concealed firearms in restaurants that serve alcohol in addition to food.  Forbes reports that after a flood of comments on the restaurant's Facebook page, the management of the chain posted the following statement:
While we understand and respect every person’s right to own and bear arms, we at Toby Keith’s I Love This Bar and Grill, with guidance from the State of Virginia and based on insurance regulations, have adopted a no weapons policy. It is our desire to provided a safe, enjoyable and entertaining experience for our patrons and staff.
I can understand trying to pass off the policy on advice from the insurance company, but "guidance from the State of Virginia"?  Just what agency or individual did the restaurant speak with and who in state government is advising businesses to post no firearms signs?  I think that is the real story here.

Let me also address the comment about a "safe, enjoyable, and entertaining experience for our patrons and staff."  Please show me the evidence that after repeal of the "restaurant ban" that patrons of the thousands of restaurants in Virginia have not had "safe and enjoyable" dining experiences.  Also, please show me the evidence that law abiding gun owners have caused disturbances in restaurants since the ban was lifted.  And finally, please show me the evidence that criminals obey "no firearms" signs anywhere they decide to cause mayhem.

Friday, December 27, 2013

A Governor, a Governor-elect, and Beretta

South Carolina's Governor, Nikki Haley, made a litte firearm related news over Christmas. News Channel 3 in Hampton picked up this story from CNN on one of Governor Haley's Christmas presents:
“Our family had a wonderful Christmas together! I must have been good. Santa gave me a Beretta PX4 Storm,” Haley said in an Instagram post that included a photo of the weapon.
Virginia Governor-elect Terry McAuliffe on the other hand recently made different headlines related to Beretta.  Emily Miller reported this past Monday that Beretta has crossed Virginia off it's short list for re-location:
“The anti-gun ads that McAuliffe ran in northern Virginia were particularly offensive,” Jeff Reh, general counsel of Beretta USA, told me in an interview. “And the fact that he could gain a voting advantage by doing so caused us additional concern.”
McAuliffe claimed his experience as a business man would make him the best person to continue Governor Bob McDonnell's job creation record but it seems he has already had a negative impact even before taking office.

Thursday, December 26, 2013

Gun Ban Lobby Takes Note of Pro-Rights Success

NPR has this story today about the gun ban lobby learning from the pro-rights successes in 2013. As most of these stories do, the author points to the money that NRA can raise and spend on protecting our rights.  What the article does not say is that the gun ban lobby actually outspent the pro-rights side in advertising in 2013.  Much of what the NRA spent was on lobbying.  Bloomberg can match what the NRA spends, and more.  But simple money is not what motivates legislators.  Getting the votes to win elections and keep their jobs does.  Can Bloomberg's money do that?  It didn't in Colorado. 

Many in the gun ban lobby point to the recent Virginia election where all three anti-rights candidates won, and Bloomberg invested $3 million in the last couple of weeks of the campaign, as proof the tide is turning.  But the top of the Republican ticket ran a terrible campaign, and Democrat Terry McAuliffe avoided the subject until most polls showed him with a comfortable double digit lead.  It can be argued that his final margin of approximately two points rather than the more sizable margins indicated in late polls, was caused by his pivot to gun control.  It should also be noted that the two Northern Virginia House of Delegates races in which Bloomberg invested did not go his way.

The NPR story also talked about the other lesson learned by the gun ban lobby - that an energized grassroots  is what really makes a difference:
But 2013 also reminded everyone that sometimes money can't substitute for good old-fashioned grass-roots organizing. The NRA coordinated its base well in 2013, Glaze points out.  
"NRA has owned this issue for a generation. They've had the only political operation," he says. "They have the grass-roots strength, and we simply weren't there yet. But we're getting there."
The real question is, can the gun ban lobby create a grassroots movement of over 5 million dues paying members, and an even larger group of like minded people who are willing to act at a moment's notice?

Thursday, December 19, 2013

Does Delegate Hope Not Trust His Colleagues?

Arlington Delegate Patrick Hope has introduced a resolution in the General Assembly to prohibit firearms from the floor of the House. I guess he doesn't trust his colleagues as they are the only individuals allowed on the floor of the House of Delegates. Should the resolution become a rule of the House, I guess we would no longer be treated to scenes like this.
A Richmond-area lawmaker brandished an AK-47 on the floor of the Virginia House of Delegates in a wild stunt aimed at rallying support for tougher gun laws

NRA Sets The Standard for Customer Engagement

A good article that explains from a business perspective why the NRA is so successful. From the article:

First, the NRA offers valuable benefits—including access to local shooting and hunting clubs, family programs and classes in shooting and gun safety, discounts at gun shops, and insurance—that mesh well with members’ lifestyles.

Second, it operates a very active and effective media program, including two of the most popular magazines in the U.S., and a comprehensive, carefully maintained website.

Third, and perhaps most important, the NRA understands the importance of community, of building in-person, member-to-member relationships. That’s why the local activities—the gun clubs and the classes—are so important: They really cement the amazingly loyal connection between the NRA and its members, by encouraging personal relationships among the members themselves. By combining a strong grassroots foundation with an appealing benefits programs and prominent media platform, the NRA enlists significant loyalty from its members and can encourage them to take an active role in the promoting its political agenda, first on the local level and, for some, on a larger stage. It’s incredibly effective.

Democrat Charlottesville Delegate David Toscano Says Gun Control is Unlikely to Pass

While Toscano supports gun control, he told attendees at a constituents forum held at UVA yesterday that it is unlikely to pass the General Assembly this year. Mental Health was also a hot topic of discussion and Delegate Rob Bell said instead of passing gun control, the Commonwealth needs to continue making sure mental health information is included in background check databases. Since the Virginia Tech shooting in 2007, Virginia has led the nation in reporting mental health related information to the NICS.

Wednesday, December 18, 2013

Obenshain Press Conference at 3:00 Today

Virginia Pilot is reporting that GOP sources tell them the Harrisonburg State Senator will concede the AG race at that time.  Democrat Mark Herring's lead has swelled to over 800 votes.  This will be the first time in over 20 years that a Democrat has held the AG's office.

New Research Shows More Background Checks Will Not Decrease Mass Shootings

You can find the story here

A study by researchers James Alan Fox (Lipman Family Professor of Criminology, Law and Public Policy Northeastern University) and Monica J. DeLateur (University of Penn Department of Criminology) analyzed research and statistics to debunk some myths surrounding mass shootings and what they found will not make the gun ban lobby happy.  Among their findings was "enhancing" background checks, as Obama and the gun ban lobby tried to do earlier this year,  would not decrease mass shootings.  Why?
A recent examination of 93 mass shootings from 2009 through September 2013, conducted by Mayors Against Illegal Guns (2013), found no indication that any of the assailants were prohibited by federal law from possessing firearms because of mental illness.


They also noted that armed guards in schools would not reduce mass shootings either:
28% of public schools already employ armed security personal regularly; there is no way for armed guards to sufficiently protect every single one of their students in an event of a mass shooting.


The NRA and others have suggested what is needed is more armed security in our schools.  Fox and DeLateur are right that you can't put enough armed guards in a school to protect every single student.  But, as we found in last week's Colorado school shooting, having an armed guard in the school (in this case an armed Sheriff Deputy) likely reduced the carnage the shooter could have caused.  And, as many in the pro-rights community have argued, allowing teachers and school staff that wish to be armed to do so, would likely have the same effect.

But here is the real take away from Fox and DeLateur's research:
"However … eliminating the risk of mass murder would involve extreme steps that we are unable or unwilling to take—abolishing the Second Amendment, achieving full employment, restoring our sense of community, and rounding up anyone who looks or acts at all suspicious. Mass murder just may be a price we must pay for living in a society where personal freedom is so highly valued."


A Great Debate on So-called "Universal Background Checks"

A debate between Adam Winkler and Dave Kopel. As usual, Kopel provides us with good information to respond to those who advocate for criminalizing the private transfer of firearms. You can find part one here and part two here. The closing arguments will be posted soon.

Another Anti-Rights Bill Pre-filed At General Assembly

Other than being just one more bill aimed at firearms in some small way, I just don't know why a legislator introduces a bill like this.  The summary of House Bill 102 states that it would prohibit the possession of weapons in legislative buildings except by any person who lawfully possesses a handgun.  Then we go to the actual bill and we see:
With the exception of any person who lawfully possesses a handgun, no person shall possess any weapon set forth in subsection A of § 18.2-308 while in the Capitol of Virginia or in any other building owned by the Commonwealth and used predominantly for the conduct of the business of the General Assembly.
The code section referenced in the bill sets out those items that cannot be carried concealed as the one being prohibited.  Those weapons are:
any dirk, bowie knife, switchblade knife, ballistic knife, machete, razor, slingshot, spring stick, metal knucks, or blackjack; (iii) any flailing instrument consisting of two or more rigid parts connected in such a manner as to allow them to swing freely, which may be known as a nun chahka, nun chuck, nunchaku, shuriken, or fighting chain; (iv) any disc, of whatever configuration, having at least two points or pointed blades which is designed to be thrown or propelled and which may be known as a throwing star or oriental dart.
It's also any firearm other than a handgun because Virginia's concealed carry permits are specifically for handguns.  So, the question is, just how many people have carried any of the above into a General Assembly Building and attempted harm with said item?

Tuesday, December 17, 2013

Virginia Recount Update

There are still a lot of votes to be recounted but this update from the Washington Post indicates that Herring's lead in the AG's race continues to grow.  The recount is to be completed by 11:59 PM tonight Wednesday.

10th District Congressman Frank Wolf Not Running for Re-election

J. Christian Adams has the story here.

Wolf has been "B" rated by the NRA of late.  He has held the seat for 34 years and been an advocate for human rights in Tibet and a supporter of the governments anti-Human Trafficking efforts. This is likely to lead to a very competitive race to replace him among the GOP.  The 10th District has been reliably Republican.

Gun Control Likely a Tall Mountain to Climb for McAuliffe

That's the assessment of this analyis piece by Skip Wood on WJLA ABC 7.  According to Wood, Terry McAuliffe's dissing hundreds of thousands of NRA members in Virginia impressed former Govenor Doug Wilder:
“He has no idea as to how impressed I was with that,” Wilder said recently over the phone before recounting a conversation he had with McAuliffe soon after the debate. “I told him, I said, ‘Terry, I don’t want you to think that it changed my view in terms of endorsement, but it strengthened it. As I said to you, I wanted a reason to have to say that this is why I’m endorsing and supporting you. I want to be able to say that to the people of Virginia.’

“And he didn’t really try to paper it over. He said what he had to say. . .To take on a powerful lobbying group like the NRA, in Virginia, is not the easiest thing to do.”
But, as Wood notes, that is not necessarily going to get gun control passed in the pro-rights dominated House of Delegates.  Pointing to the defeat of federal gun control after the Newtown school shooting, Wood noted a similar fate likely awaits McAuliffe in the General Assembly.

Things have changed since Wilder was Governor.  Just two sessions ago, the General Assembly passed and Govenror McDonnell signed a bill repealing the signature acheivement of Wilder's term in office - one gun-a-month.

Bill to Ban Out-of-State Sale of Long Guns Introduced at General Assembly

Delores McQuinn has introduced HB 61 for the 2014 General Assembly.  The bill would prohibit the sale of any rifle, shotgun, or "assault rifle" by a federally licensed firearms dealer to any out-of-state resident. Currently, out-of-state residents may purchase long guns from licensed retailers in the Commonwealth.  This appears to be in response to the Navy Yard incident where the shooter purchased his firearms from a licensed retailer in Virginia.  VSSA will strongly oppose this bill and we urge gun owners to let their Delegate know your thoughts on this legislation.

Gun Ban Lobby Looking to Make Firearms an Issue in 2014

The Coalition to Stop Gun Violence (CSGV) sent our a fundraising email last night with the subject line "Two Huge Projects":
Next year is going be huge. We have two major projects we need your help on:
1. Make guns a salient voting issue in the 2014 election. This past spring, 45 members of the U.S. Senate blocked a bill to expand background checks—a policy that 90% of American voters support. In next November's midterm elections, we have an opportunity to make gun safety legislation a prominent issue. We have a real chance to elect the champions of this issue and defeat its opponents. We saw this strategy work this year in Virginia, where gun violence prevention advocates swept all three statewide races after we used protests, earned media, and ads to put our issues at the center of the debate. We know we can do it again. Will you contribute $20 to help change the debate on the gun issue in the 2014 election?
2. "Dangerousness" legislation. CSGV has pioneered a new approach to stopping potential mass shooters who have glaring red flags in their background from legally purchasing guns. Our strategy? Focusing on evidence of “dangerousness”—a past history of violent misdemeanor convictions or domestic abuse, for example. The idea is to prohibit troubled individuals from buying guns before they ever do harm. We are already working with federal and state lawmakers to sponsor legislation to put our strategy into action. We want to move forward with this initiative and others in the new year. Will you help us by donating today to the Coalition to Stop Gun Violence? Thank you so much for your continued support. I hope you have a wonderful holiday season. Here's to a safer America in 2014!
Sincerely,
Josh Horwitz
Executive Director
Coalition to Stop Gun Violence
The second part of this is related to the strategy laid out at the UVA gun control forum on December 2nd.  It is looking like 2014 will be as active as 2013 was in fighting off the gun ban lobby at the General Assembly.

Friday, December 13, 2013

MAIG Targeting Armslist.com Again

Apparently timed to coincide with the one year point since the Newtown school shooting,Mayors Against Illegal Guns (MAIG) is once again complaining that guns are being illegally sold online.  Just two years ago, MAIG also claimed that Armslist.com was responsible for a large number of illegal gun sales over the Internet.
ArmsList.com is an online classified listing for gun owners.  From the web site "About Us" page:

ARMSLIST is a free local classified site for listing hand guns, pistols, rifles, shotguns, ammunition, archery, and hunting equipment. We created this site to allow people to find buyers and sellers in their local community and not have to pay fees to list their stuff. We wanted the site to be simple, easy to use, and non-intrusive, but specifically for buying, selling, and trading guns!

ARMSLIST became active in January of 2009.

ARMSLIST was created by a number of gun owning and gun loving Americans after seeing firsthand how the popular marketplace sites on the Internet shun firearms. We appreciate all the help and support that everyone has given us and hope for continued success of the site!
It also notes that sellers using the site should:
 Always comply with local, state, federal, and international law. ARMSLIST does not become involved in transactions between parties. Review our privacy policy and terms of use for more information. Report Illegal Firearms Activity to 1-800-ATF-GUNS.
It's the same as if we put an ad in a newspaper (assuming your local paper still accepts firearm ads) and someone contacted you.   This just allows more people to see your ad.  Armslist is not doing anything illegal. 

Thursday, December 12, 2013

The Gun Control Version of MADD

That's how this Christian Science Monitor article described Moms Demand Action.
The number of gun control groups nationwide has doubled in the past year – some led by small coalitions of Sandy Hook survivors, others led by mothers not directly touched by the tragedy. Many experts cite Moms Demand Action as a growing legislative force on behalf of gun control, where suddenly state legislators across the US are being confronted by women demanding change – a kind of Mothers Against Drunk Driving redux.
The article, just one of many on the gun control landscape since last year's Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting, goes on to point out that the number of pro-rights bills passed last year were more than double the number of gun control bills passed:
Moreover, since the Sandy Hook massacre, states have approved no fewer than 93 laws that protect and affirm gun rights – more than double the number of control laws. Because many of those new laws liberalized the carrying of concealed weapons, it’s basically easier to get and use a gun today than it was a year ago, Paul Barrett, author of “Glock: The rise of America’s gun,” told WBUR in Boston on Dec. 5.
I don't know if it is easier to get a firearm  than it was a year ago, but just as this blog did yesterday, the article noted that the states that passed restrictions, were states that already all but ban firearms:
In the past year, eight US states – mostly blue ones in New England and the coastal West, but also “purple” Colorado – approved gun control legislation. In New York and Connecticut, they weren’t merely symbolic changes, either, but rather bans on certain kinds of magazines and guns. The result in New York City, at least, is that some gun owners are getting letters from authorities demanding that they turn in their weapons.
As Sebastian pointed out yesterday, the New York Times had a great interactive piece on what states passed which laws.  Clearly, while we lost some battles, we won a lot more than we lost.  We just need to stay active as new legislative sessions will begin in January.

Virginia Gun Ban Lobby Using Newtown Anniversary to Push Gun Control

Gun ban advocate and Governor Elect Terry McAuliffe Transition Team member Lori Haas sent out an email earlier today detailing activities they will undertake on Saturday, December 14th.  While the families of those slain have asked to be allowed to honor their lost loved ones without media attention, the gun ban lobby is using the day to make the case for more gun control.  Below is the email Ms. Haas sent out detailing how the Virginia gun ban lobby will mark the day and urging their supporters to use social media to send a message to Virginia's congressional delegation.
As many of you know, on Saturday December 14, 2013 we, as a nation, will be marking the 1st anniversary of the shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School. This anniversary is an opportunity for us to honor and remember the victims of gun violence and remind us why we are committed to creating a safer Virginia. Events and vigils will be held across the state over the next few days as we honor those who have lost their lives and continue to push for stronger responsible gun legislation in Virginia.
NEWTOWN ACTION ALLIANCE EVENTS & MOMS DEMAND ACTION: NO MORE SILENCE EVENTS TO COMMEMORATE THE ONE-YEAR ANNIVERSARY AND THE 26 LIVES LOST IN THE SHOOTING RAMPAGE AT SANDY HOOK ELEMENTARY SCHOOL IN NEWTOWN, CT
Thursday Dec 12th
3:45 – 5:00 p.m. - Newtown National Vigil for all Gun Violence Victims at the National Cathedral, 3101 Wisconsin Ave., NW, Washington, DC
Friday Dec. 13th
Call Congress with our easy call-in tool – check the website at momsdemandaction.org
Saturday Dec 14th
8:30 – 9:15 a.m. - Ceremony of Remembrance and Activation at UUCF, 2709 Hunter Mill Road, Oakton, VA
9:00 – 10:00 a.m. – Bell ringing at the Netherlands Carillion near the Iwo Jima Memorial (1222 N. Meade Street, Arlington, VA) with Moms Demand Action VA
9:30 – 10:30 a.m. – Bell ringing at the Carillon at Byrd Park (1300 Blanton Avenue Richmond, VA) with Moms Demand Action VA
9:30 – 10:30 a.m. – Bell ringing at Freedom Wall on Downtown Mall in Charlottesville, VA with Charlottesville Coalition for Gun Violence Prevention.
10:00 – 11:30 a.m. – Vigil & protest in front of the NRA headquarters at 11250 Waples Mill Rd., Oakton, VA
12:00 – 1:00 p.m. - Bell ringing at Lee Plaza (1525 Westover Avenue SW Roanoke, VA 24015) with Moms Demand Action VA
2:00 – 3:00 p.m. – Bell ringing at Canal Park, 200 M Street, SE, Washington, DC with Moms Demand Action DC.
Social Media Actions
· On Facebook, change your “hometown” to “Newtown, CT”
· Paint your nails “Sandy Hook Green” and encourage everyone you know, male and female, to do the same. Tweet photos of your green nails with the hashtag #NoMoreNewtowns
· Tweet a photo of your hands holding a sign that says “Remember Newtown” to the VA Representatives who have not co-sponsored the background check bill with the hashtag #RememberNewtown #cosponsor1565. Twitter handles as follows:

Beyond the Vigils, please plan to go to Richmond on Martin Luther King Jr. Day on January 20th

We need to have as many people as possible in Richmond on MLK day to represent the majority of Virginians who support responsible gun laws. Please mark this date on your calendar and plan to join mothers, fathers, teachers, law enforcement officers, faith leaders, politicians, activists, andmany more who will gather to honor the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King and remember the countless Virginians who have lost their lives to gun violence. We will make our voices heard as the Virginia General Assembly comes back into session and continue to fight for the freedom to live in a world free from gun violence.

Please continue to tell your friends and family to sign up for Virginians for Responsible Gun Laws at www.vrgl.org and, if you haven’t already, like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter. Thank you for all of your hard work and commitment to this cause. There will be more updates to follow as we head into 2014.
Sincerely,
Lori Haas
 
Virginia gun owners should contact their congressman and let them know none of the gun control proposals being pushed by gun ban advocates would have stopped the Newtown shooter and that they should focus on real solutions and not feel good measures.

Wednesday, December 11, 2013

Gun Ban Advocates Depressed as Federal Efforts Have Stalled

The Hill has the story here.  Just one more story talking about in the lead up to the first year after the Newtown shootings, not much has changed related to federal gun control.
The failed push for stronger federal gun control laws after last December’s shooting rampage in Newtown, Conn., has left its proponents in Congress dejected, and leaves one of President Obama’s top policy goals without any clear path forward.
As in other stories, the gun ban lobby points out they made progress on the state level, though most of that was in states that already all but ban firearms. They keep referring to actions being taken in some 21 states, but for the life of me, I can't recall any major gun control being passed except in New York, New Jersey, California, Colorado, Maryland, Delaware, and Connecticut.  With the exception of Colorado, all of those states were already very unfriendly to the rights of law abiding gun owners.
Gun control advocates say the shooting led to important state reforms, and the White House has touted a series of executive actions to curb violence, but congressional Democrats concede the move toward major federal gun reforms is dead, at least for now.
Other than giving lip service to still supporting gun control measures, the White House has pivoted to mental health, which is where they should have been focused in the first place.
Last month, the administration finalized regulations requiring insurers to treat mental illness and addiction the same as physical illnesses. The measure is intended to ensure better access to treatment for the mentally impaired.
“The fact that less than half of children and adults with diagnosable mental health problems receive the treatment they need is unacceptable,” Biden said Tuesday.
Ultimately, administrative actions were small consolation for proponents of stronger federal laws.


Tuesday, December 10, 2013

Strong Year for Firearm Manufacturers

This shouldn't be suprising, given the fact firearm sales have reached historic highs.  But some investment managers who talked to ABC News for this story expressed surprise:
Peter Zeuli, CFA, head portfolio manager at Philadelphia Investment Partners, tells ABC News he is surprised how well Ruger, Smith & Wesson and other gun makers have performed. Ruger's earnings he calls consistently strong. He used to own the company's shares, he says, but had sold the stock, in part on expectations that the Obama administration would push through new firearms restrictions. That has not happened.
Most people would probably attribute the manufacturers good fortunes to the fact Obama's gun control push sparked sales to go through the roof.  One portfolio manager had a different explanation:

Randy Bateman, chief investment officer of the Huntington Asset Advisors in Columbus, Ohio, tells ABC News there's another explanation for gun makers' good times: Rural consumers have more money in their pockets. Farm incomes, he says, have risen in the past year. On top of that, hydraulic fracturing in farm states has brought in more money. That, he says, translates into increased sales by gun makes.


Whatever the cause, firearms remain the only industry that has done well in the five years of Obama's economic policies.

Hat tip to The Gun Wire.

Study Finds Firearms Used for Defensive Use As Frequently As Criminal Use

NBC12 has the story here.  The study actually used data related to defensive firearms use that Dr. Gary Kleck published over a decade ago.  The study was commissioned by the Centers for Disease Control and completed by Institute of Medicine and National Research Council.

The study found that mass shootings in America are still relatively rare. In the past 30 years, there have been 78 shootings when a gunman killed more than four people. A final copy of the report also noted that the use of guns in self defense happens just as frequently as the criminal use of firearms.
The study found that data does not exist on the effectiveness of programs intended to reduce mass shootings and suggested more studies are needed.

NBC12.com - Richmond, VA News

Firearm Bills Prefiled at General Assembly

We can expect a lot more but for now, only four bills have been pre-filed at the Virginia General Assembly.

HB 8 Concealed handgun permits; decreases local law-enforcement background investigation fee.
HB 21 School boards; employee firearms training.
HB 43 Federal firearms laws; enforcement.
HB 48 Firearms; possession following conviction of certain crimes, penalty.

Bills similar to HB 48 have been introduced before and failed because there are already laws that cover this situation.

Friday, December 6, 2013

The Illogic of the Left on Carrying Firearms

I freely admit the Huffington Post is not the source I turn to for news.  But when I saw this story in the list of firearm related news I received in my email this morning, I was curious what it was about.  Turns out, it was as devoid of logic as I normally expect from Huffington Post.  The two commentators honestly believe individuals want to carry firearms because their latte might be too hot?

It's not news that many malls and theaters already ban firearms.  Do the owners of the malls, or the two Huffington Post commentators really think those signs will stop someone intent on causing harm to innocent people?  Where do most mass shootings occur - in places that have a "no firearms" policy.

Thursday, December 5, 2013

A Local Perspective on the Record Setting Black Friday

WHSV TV in Harrisonburg had this report.

Congressional Study Shows Firearm-related Murder Cut in Half While Number of Firearms Increased

A new Congressional Research Service study notes:
Reports submitted by state and local law enforcement agencies to the FBI and published annually in the Uniform Crime Reports indicate that the firearms-related murder and non-negligent manslaughter rate per 100,000 of the population decreased from 6.6 for 1993 to 3.6 for 2000. The rate held steady at 3.6 for 2001 and fluctuated thereafter between a high of 3.9 for 2006 and 2007, and a low of 3.2 for 2010. For 2011, it has remained at 3.2.
It's just one more example that more guns do not lead to more crime despite what the gun ban lobby would like us to believe.  Dr. AWR Hawkins, of Breitbart News was on NRANews.com's Cam and Company and talked about the report.

What a Difference a Year Makes

As we approach the one year anniversary (and I really hate using that word since most people associate celebration with an anniversary) of the horrific murders at Sandy Hook Elementary School, a new poll by CNN finds more people (50%-49%) oppose gun control than support it.  Dr. AWR Hawkins of Breitbart News has the story:
CNN Polling Director Keating Holland says the drop in gun control support is due to regional differences: "Demographically speaking, the drop in support for stricter gun laws is mostly based on where people live, with a 10-point decline in the Midwest and a 15-point drop in urban areas having a lot to do with the overall decline nationally."
Support spiked upward after the shooting last year but as time has passed, the number of people supporting new gun control has subsided back to levels seen before December 14, 2012.


Act by Midnight Friday for Savings up to 50% Off at the VSSA Store

That's right, just in time for Christmas, you can get VSSA logo merchandise for up to 50% off the regular price in the VSSA online store.  All shirts (including sweatshirts) are 50% off. Most other items have savings of at least 20%. It's a great opportunity to get those special VSSA 75th Anniversary items or Crushn' Clays 15th Anniversary items before they are gone on January 1, 2014.
 
 
All you have to do is enter the promotional code HOLIDAYSMADE at checkout and your savings will be immediately calculated.  A portion of every sale supports VSSA's efforts to protect your rights.  But hurry, the sale ends at 11:59 PM PT on Friday, December 6th.

Wednesday, December 4, 2013

Crime Declines, People Still Think it's Worse

USA Today has the story here.  Last May, the LA Times had a similar story.  Not sure what's new in today's story.  The take away's are pretty much the same. From the USA story:
The rate of non-fatal violent gun crime victimization dropped 75% in the past 20 years; The gun homicide rate dropped 49% in the same period, according to numbers Pew researchers obtained from the Bureau of Justice Statistics and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
"The public doesn't get its feelings out of crime statistics," said Alfred Blumstein, an urban systems professor at Heinz College at Carnegie Mellon University. "The public gets its feelings from particularly notorious events, and what the press talks about."

Which leads to the gun ban lobby trying to use this disconnect to their advantage:
"The public says 'I'm concerned, do something,' and the political system has to respond to that," he said.

Is There A McAuliffe Effect on Gun Sales in Virginia?

The Roanoke Times reported this morning that firearm transactions set a record in Virginia on "Black Friday."
Gun transactions in Virginia totaled 3,902 on Black Friday, a 1.2 percent increase over the previous record of 3,856 transactions on the same day in 2012, according to the latest Virginia State Police figures of mandatory criminal-background checks of gun buyers.
This bucks national results for Black Friday 2013 which the Washington Times reported were slightly lower than last year, though still the sixth highest in history.  Virginia is on pace to set a record for the number of background checks for the entire year as well. The state police only keeps track of the number of background checks.  Actual sales could be higher. If someone is purchasing more that one firearm, only one background check is required.

What is driving the continued record numbers in Virginia? Thomas Baker, an assistant professor at Virginia Commonwealth University’s L. Douglas Wilder School of Government Affairs who did a study of Virginia firearm sales last year offers this perspective:
Baker said it will be interesting to see if concerns about gun legislation have subsided after the defeat of the national gun legislation proposed this year, and if that “will lead to smaller increases of annual gun sales in years to come.”
However, Baker noted that the election of Democrat Terry McAuliffe as governor — “a staunch advocate for stricter gun controls” — could be a driving force for additional year-end gun sales in Virginia. 
“If McAuliffe proposes any state-level gun legislation, we could see another surge in sales similar to those in response to fears about national gun control legislation,” Baker said.
Baker's research found that in the last six years, total firearm sales in Virginia rose a whopping 101 percent from 2006 to 2012, according to federally licensed gun dealer sales estimates. Data for 2013 are not yet available.

Tuesday, December 3, 2013

Seeing Something That Isn't There

That's the best way to describe this quote from Ladd Everitt, a spokesman for the Coalition to Stop Gun Violence, regarding the likely renewal of the current ban on weapons that can get by detectors at security checkpoints:

Advocates for expanded gun laws say the expected House vote may be a signal that some support exists for stricter laws after the shooting almost a year ago in Newtown, Connecticut, that killed 20 elementary school students and six adults.
“Any time you see the House of Representatives moving forward on firearms legislation it’s a very good sign,” said Ladd Everitt, a spokesman for the Washington-based Coalition to Stop Gun Violence. 


Unlike New York Senator Chuck Schumer's bill, the House bill is a clean renewal of the current law that is scheduled to expire on December 9th. To think that passage of the House bill is a sign the environment has changed for other gun control is simply fantasy.

Gun Control Consortium Wants to Make it Easier to Seize Firearms

One of the take aways from yesterday's gun control forum hosted by the Consortium for Risk-Based Firearm Policy at the UVA Law School is that the gun ban lobby wants to use a little slight of hand to get the same tired proposals passed that they have been pushing for years.  Josh Horwitz said as much when he said during his comments that all of their proposals that would be outlined must start with background checks.  But this time, they hope to gain support by making it sound like they only want to keep firearms out of the hands of people they think are a threat to others - like people who may have been convicted of driving under the influence (DUI), and even people that neighbors or family members think pose a threat to others.  To do this, they want to create the ability for law enforcement to seize firearms with and without warrants.  Throughout the four hours of the forum, attendees and those watching the event live streamed heard from anti-rights "researchers" and legislators. 

The Daily Progress summarized their proposals:
The group recommended a special warrant that would allow police to remove firearms from the possession of people authorities believe to be a danger to themselves or others. Additionally, the consortium proposed a new civil restraining order process could allow citizens to petition the court for the temporary removal of firearms from friends or family members who are considered at that time to be dangerous, according to the report.

Other high-risk populations targeted by the consortium's recommendations include people with histories of substance abuse and domestic violence.  

Another recommendation temporary bars anyone convicted of a violent misdemeanor; a temporary domestic violence restraining order placed on them; or multiple DUI, DWI or controlled substance convictions in the past five years from purchasing or possessing firearms. 

“We are looking not just at mental illness, but at elevated risk,” Horwitz said. “We also need to look at meaningful prohibitions for people who are at increased risk for other reasons.”
So who gets to decide the people at an "elevated risk"?  You guessed it - the gun ban lobby.  VSSA will be paying special attention to mental health bills. It will be a busy session again this year.

Obama Campaign Arm Urges Gun Control Rallies on Newtown Anniversary

The Hill reported yesterday that Organizing for America, the Obama campaign advocacy group, is urging supporters of gun control to hold events on the anniversary of the Newtown school shooting this month.
Organizing for America (OFA) says it intends the events to be a "powerful reminder of what we lost a year ago, and a reminder that we as a nation need to do more to prevent gun violence and keep our communities safe."

OFA says that the events will be held in towns and cities across the country and will be used to "call on Congress to finally take action to make our communities safer."


Nevermind that nothing proposed by Obama or the gun ban lobby since the shooting would have stopped it from occurring.

Hat tip to John Lott.

Monday, December 2, 2013

Herring Campaign Manager Claims Gun Control Led To Victory That is Still in Question

State Senator Mark Herring's campaign manager, Kevin O’Holleran, had this Op/Ed in yesterday's Washington Post, claiming that gun control led to his 164 vote victory over State Senator Mark Obenshain in Virginia's AG race. Setting aside for the moment the votes are headed for a recount, let's take a look at his claim.
Like much conventional wisdom, this was wrong — and we not only ignored this advice but did the opposite. There were stark differences between Herring and his Republican opponent, Sen. Mark D. Obenshain (R-Harrisonburg), on gun safety. Obenshain opposed comprehensive background checks and opposed closing the gun-show loophole. He opposed former governor Douglas Wilder’s landmark “one-gun-a-month” legislation. Obenshain also made a habit of voting for such irresponsible proposals as allowing guns in bars and restaurants where alcohol is served.
While O'Holleran made a short reference to the campaign's focus on the so-called "women's health" meme that Democrats used during the 2013 campaign, he gives credit for his candidate's victory the focus on gun control, and even mentions the late entry of Bloomberg's gun ban group into the race. But, Bloomberg did not focus solely on gun control, choosing instead to also jump on the social issues band wagon. Also, as O'Holleran focuses his thesis on the vote totals on northern Virginia, Bloomberg focused his ads on the region as did the Mark Kelly-Gabby Giffords group Americans for Responsible Solutions. Even with the large vote totals he ran up in Northern Virginia, the final margin is a razor thin 164 votes that is headed to a recount. So, while gun control likely polls well in Northern Virginia, even with increasing the vote total by 124,000 over the total for the AG in 2009, it was barely enough to pull him across the finish line (and still may not depending on what happens in the recount). It's likley the constant barage of negative ads tying Obenshain to Cuccinelli on social issues had more to do with the final outcome than gun control.

And, even if he ends up winning, 164 votes does not make a mandate for anything, including gun control.

Sunday, December 1, 2013

Firearm Retailers Cash in On Black Friday

Dr. A.W.R. Hawkins reports that Black Friday this year is no different than it has been since 2008:
In 2012, the number of Black Friday background checks rose to 154,873. Remember that because numerous guns can be purchased with each background check, these figures don't even begin to indicate how many firearms may actually have been sold. 
This information is not lost on retailers like Cabela's, Bass Pro Shops, and Wal-Mart. Cabela's literally gave away shotguns to early bird customers in some cities on Black Friday--those receiving the guns went through a background check--and Huffington Post reported that Bass Pro Shops was running hot deals on Bushmaster AR-15 rifles. 
Wal-Mart ran a "Manager's Special Sale" that translated into "20 percent off select rifles and shotguns."