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Guns in the saloon: Virginians have a right to defend themselves
Washington Times ^ | March 5,2010 | Editorial

Posted on 03/05/2010 4:50:03 PM PST by ThomasHart

Someone who is drunk shouldn't be handling a gun, but that doesn't justify a ban on concealed carrying in all places that serve alcohol. On Tuesday, the Virginia House of Delegates joined the state Senate and voted 72-to-27 to overturn this ban. Gov. Robert F. McDonnell's signature is all that stands in the way of getting rid of this dangerous restriction.

Over the past two decades, a sweeping wave of freedom has allowed more citizens to carry concealed handguns. States have realized that there is little reason to restrict the carrying of concealed handguns by those who have received permits. Forty states currently allow concealed handguns to be carried in places that serve alcohol. None of the states that have allowed this freedom has cause to reverse the decision.

The facts are clear. Despite misleading claims to the contrary by the Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence and the Violence Policy Center, permit holders are law-abiding individuals who are extremely careful with their guns. This general rule applies in states that allow concealed handguns in bars. Permit holders simply haven't been getting liquored up and harming others through irresponsible conduct. Virginia hasn't had any problem with open carry in restaurants, so it's hard to understand why anyone thinks there could be a problem with concealed handguns.

Take Florida and Texas, . . .

(Excerpt) Read more at washingtontimes.com ...


TOPICS: Business/Economy; Crime/Corruption; Editorial; Government; US: Virginia
KEYWORDS: alcohol; banglist; ccw; concealedcarry; guns; mcdonnell; vageneralassembly; vcdl; vcdlrocks; washingtontimes

1 posted on 03/05/2010 4:50:03 PM PST by ThomasHart
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To: ThomasHart

If the establishment has one of those idiotic ‘no firearms allowed’ signs on the door, are we still prohibited from carrying inside?

I’m just SURE criminals pay attention to those signs....


2 posted on 03/05/2010 4:53:53 PM PST by KoRn (Department of Homeland Security, Certified - "Right Wing Extremist")
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To: ThomasHart

What’s wrong with simplify — Murder is against the law. Seems to me that should be enough.


3 posted on 03/05/2010 5:00:15 PM PST by Tarpon ( ...Rude crude socialist Obama depends on ignorance to force his will on people)
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To: Tarpon

Brandishing is also against the law. Why not just enforce the already existing laws?

If people get into fights while armed, they will automatically be felonies because even if the gun isn’t involved, the charges are bumped up to add “WHILE ARMED” to them and they are toast.


4 posted on 03/05/2010 5:16:46 PM PST by Secret Agent Man (I'd like to tell you, but then I'd have to kill you.)
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To: Secret Agent Man

“Why not just enforce the already existing laws?”

Because idiots who promote more laws don’t do their research.


5 posted on 03/05/2010 5:28:19 PM PST by Niuhuru (The Internet is the digital AIDS; adapting and successfully destroying the MSM host.)
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To: ThomasHart
it's interesting that the people of virginia can see this so clearly and the people in places like ca can't
6 posted on 03/05/2010 5:58:14 PM PST by paul51 (11 September 2001 - Never forget)
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To: KoRn

“If the establishment has one of those idiotic ‘no firearms allowed’ signs on the door, are we still prohibited from carrying inside? I’m just SURE criminals pay attention to those signs....”

I am not a lawyer and this is not legal advice. I’m just some schmoe on the internet.

My understanding of the law is that you cannot carry in any private facility where the owner has posted it as no firearms. However, all the property owner/manager can do is ask you to leave. If you don’t, it’s criminal trespass. Then again, if you’re not carrying and the property owner/manager asks you to leave and you don’t, it’s criminal trespass as well.

I think criminals do pay attention to those signs. It identifies places where it’s safe for them to practice their trade.


7 posted on 03/05/2010 6:24:22 PM PST by RKBA Democrat (Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me, a sinner!)
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To: KoRn
If the establishment has one of those idiotic ‘no firearms allowed’ signs on the door, are we still prohibited from carrying inside?

If business owners are allowed to set the rules for the property they own or lease, yes. But that doesn't seem to be the case or there would still be many bars and restaurants where smoking was allowed.

8 posted on 03/05/2010 6:24:29 PM PST by TigersEye (It's the Marxism, stupid! ... And they call themselves Progressives.)
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To: paul51

“it’s interesting that the people of virginia can see this so clearly and the people in places like ca can’t”

Don’t be picking on California now. After all, if it wasn’t for California, where else would we send our miscreants?


9 posted on 03/05/2010 6:28:05 PM PST by RKBA Democrat (Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me, a sinner!)
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To: TigersEye

There are very few posted establishments in Virginia. VCDL does a pretty good job of showing those that have the poor manners to post their establishment the error of their ways.

With pre-emption and VCDL’s efforts, the “no firearms” sign is becoming a relatively rare sight here in the Commonwealth. I may have to take some pictures of the remaining few to show to my grandkids.


10 posted on 03/05/2010 6:32:22 PM PST by RKBA Democrat (Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me, a sinner!)
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To: RKBA Democrat
"I think criminals do pay attention to those signs. It identifies places where it’s safe for them to practice their trade."

A very good point. I must admit though, I tend to not 'notice' signs that tell me I can't carry a weapon and defend myself while inside an establishment.

11 posted on 03/05/2010 6:32:32 PM PST by KoRn (Department of Homeland Security, Certified - "Right Wing Extremist")
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To: RKBA Democrat

That’s good.


12 posted on 03/05/2010 6:35:55 PM PST by TigersEye (It's the Marxism, stupid! ... And they call themselves Progressives.)
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To: Secret Agent Man

You commit a crime while armed in Virginia, and you’re going to go to prison. Period.


13 posted on 03/05/2010 6:44:49 PM PST by RKBA Democrat (Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me, a sinner!)
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To: KoRn

Why would you even go into a establishment with one of those signs up. Let alone think about giving them money.


14 posted on 03/05/2010 7:39:35 PM PST by riverrunner
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To: rrrod

Visit saloons in VA ping!


15 posted on 03/06/2010 3:50:13 AM PST by Tax-chick (Aw, CUSSWORDS!!!)
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To: ThomasHart
Despite misleading claims to the contrary by the Brady Campaign

They Lie!

16 posted on 03/06/2010 3:53:08 AM PST by bmwcyle (Free the Navy Seals)
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