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Friday, September 28, 2012

Absentee Voting Underway in Virginia

In-person absentee voting began last Friday (Sept. 21), and ends on Nov. 3. Applications for mail-in absentee voting are available through the State Board of Elections and local voter registration offices. The Richmond Times Dispatch noted that both Chesterfield and Henrico Counties have seen higher rates of in-person absentee voting in the first week that they did in 2008:
Chesterfield County General Registrar Larry Haake said requests for ballots by mail appear to be the same as in 2008 but that in-person voting is up.

Fewer than 100 people had voted in the first three days of absentee voting in 2008 while this year, as of Tuesday, 185 people had voted absentee in person, he said.

Henrico County's western voter registration location saw 69 voters on the first day of in-person absentee voting and so far has seen close to 300 voters, according to Mark J. Coakley, the county's general registrar. The numbers may be higher whenthe county's eastern location is included.

In 2008, 300 people voted in-person absentee in Henrico through the first week of voting, Coakley said.
There is no way to know if the increased interest in absentee voting in these two areas are a better sign for Romney or Obama but it is clear we need to be All In this year to defeat Barack Obama.  The stakes could not be higher in this election, not only for our rights, but also for the economic health of our nation.  If you are not registered to vote, or if you have moved since the last election and need to re-register, you have until October 15th.  Please take the time to register, you can do it here, and here.

Tuesday, September 25, 2012

Virginia Center for Public Safety Laments That Candidates Avoid Gun Control

The Virginia Center for Public Safety sent out this email yesterday lamenting that candidates running for office this year are not raising the issue of gun control.  After rolling off the usual statistics on murder by firearms, negligent discharge (they call it accidental), and suicide by firearm, they say:
As things stand today, neither Presidential candidate has expressed a clear plan on how to deal with this monumental public health issue, though their party platforms are quite different on the subject.

Perhaps most troubling is the fact that, thus far, neither candidate appears to have the strength of character to bring up this issue for sensible and reasoned discussion.

Other topics, that have nowhere near the same potential impact on American lives, are freely discussed and debated back and forth, but not this one.
According to a March 2011 CDC report, of the top 15 causes of death in the nation, suicide ranked 10th and homicide ranked 15th.  That same report showed that in 2009, 588 people were killed by the negligent discharge (again the CDC calls it accidental) of a firearm.  While that number is too high, negligent firearm discharge deaths are at all time lows, and was well below automobile accidents (36,284), accidental falls (24,834) and accidental drownings (3,539).  There were 11,406 homicides by firearms in 2009.

There is no evidence that gun control reduces crime.  In fact in cities like Chicago and Washington DC that at one time banned private ownership of firearms, and all but bans it now, the evidence is just the opposite - the citizens of the two cities are at the mercy of well armed criminals.  Both of these cities are among those which are not particularly hard on their criminals as NRANews.com's Cam Edwards details nightly in his Deal of the Day segment. Maybe putting violent criminals behind bars and keeping them there would reduce those homicide numbers.

It's likely voters know that gun control does not control crime and explains why gun control does not even register as an issue important to voters, and why the candidates are talking about issues like the economy and jobs.

Monday, September 24, 2012

Dallas Morning News Gets it Wrong on Virginia Concealed Handgun Permits

Online firearm safety courses are once again in the news, this time in the land of Texas.  For the last month or so, various news outlets have made a big deal about the fact that Virginia allows the completion of an online firearm safety course to qualify as meeting the firearm safety training requirement in the concealed handgun permit (CHP) statute.  This time it is the Dallas Morning News urging the Texas legislature to pass a law that would stop the state from recognizing permits issued in Virginia, especially Virginia's non-resident permits, which supposedly are increasingly being issued to people who have completed an online course.
It’s no exaggeration to say that anyone with $39.95, an Internet connection and one hour can wind up duly licensed by Virginia to carry a concealed handgun. This not only increases gun danger for everyone, it cuts the legs from under Texas law.
The exaggeration is the inference that Virginia ever required range time or even the same training that Texas requires for their permits.  Most of the classroom courses that qualify for meeting the training requirement are four hour classes but Virginia never had a minimum number of hours of classroom training. Texas requires 10 hours.  The Hunter Education course, which also qualifies, is currently an eight hour class but even that is transitioning to a partly online/home study and partly class room course.  And it could be argued that a hunter safety course does not prepare someone to carry a concealed handgun.  But that was never the purpose of the training requirement.  It was simply to make sure that someone with a CHP had a basic understanding of firearm safety.

This is all a lot of to do about nothing.  Virginia has allowed online courses for three years and there has not been an incident caused by anyone who received a permit after having completed an online course.

CMP Ammunition Sales

One of the benefits of being a VSSA member is the ability to purchase surplus firearms, ammo and accessories from the Civilian Marksmenship Program (CMP).  From the CMP web site:
CMP has acquired a quantity of .410 gauge, 3 inch, #6 shot M35 military surplus shotgun shells. Our test showed that the ammunition patterned exceptionally well. Test were conducted at 20, 30, and 40 yards. We did find out that the M35 shells will not feed through a pump action shotgun. From our testing we will assume that the shells will not function in pump action, bolt action, or semi-auto shotguns. The shells are best used in single or double barrel applications or loaded directly into the chamber a single round at a time.
You can find prices and shipping information at the link above.  By law, the CMP can sell surplus military firearms, ammunition, parts and other items only to members of CMP affiliated clubs who are also U.S. citizens, over 18 years of age and who are legally eligible to purchase a firearm. You must provide a copy of your current VSSA membership card or other proof of membership. This requirement cannot be waived.

Friday, September 21, 2012

Goochland Planning Commission Defers Decision on Orapax

A crowd of over 100 packed three rooms last night for the public hearing on Orapax Hunting Preserve's application to open a sporting clay range on their nearly 700 acre property.  Proponents and opponents told the commission why Orapax should and should not be allowed to open a sporting clays range on their property with most of the opponents sighting reduced enjoyment of their property due to noise from the range.  One opponent sighted the fact that her husband suffers from severe PTSD and that the increased shooter would negatively affect his condition.  the closest neighbor is a mile from Orapax.

In the end, the planning commission deferred their decision and asked that a noise test be administered on the Orapax property. After receiving the test results, they will make a recommendation to the Board of Supervisors, who will make the final decision.

Continue to contact the planning commission with your support for the Orapax Sporting Clays Range. You can find the contact information by clicking here.

Another Assault on the VCU Campus

The Richmond Times Dispatch reports  that a man was assaulted outside of the VCU library.  The victim told police he knew one of the attackers.

This follows recent muggings on campus shortly after students returned in August.

VCU prohibits students and employees from carrying on campus.

Wednesday, September 19, 2012

As Expected, DOJ IG Report on Fast and Furious Says Holder Blameless

The Hill newspaper reported today that the  Justice Department Inspector General (IG) report faults ATF and four high ranking officials at DOJ for the debacle known as Fast and Furious, but says Holder knew nothing of the scheme until he received a letter from Senator Charles Grassley.

The Hill report stated that Inspector General Michael Horowitz found that fAssistant Attorney General Lanny Breuer and Deputy Assistant Attorney General Jason Weinstein, knew enough about the scheme that they should have raised concerns with their immediate superiors.

According to The Hill, Weinstein has resigned.

In typical cover for Holder fashion, House Oversight Committee ranking Democratic member Elijah Cummings said the report completely exonerates Holder, and took the customary swipe at the Bush Administration, blaming the gun walking scheme on the previous administration.

The IG will appear before the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee tomorrow morning at 9:30.

Duke Professor Writes That Crime Not Caused by Weak Gun Laws

It was refreshing to read this Op/Ed in the Washington Times, written by Kyle Scott, who teaches American politics and constitutional law at Duke University and the University of Houston.  It is unusual to see someone from academia not push gun control as the answer to societies ills.

The thesis of the article is that crime is not caused by weak gun laws but because there is no moral compass in those who commit crime.  Scott writes that most of us do not commit murder, not because of the law says we can't, though the law is important, but because we know it is wrong.
Most people would refrain from shooting someone whether there was a law in place or not. It is the rare person who would say, “The only thing keeping me from opening fire on innocent people is the law.” No, most of us don’t murder because we know murder is wrong — not because the law tells us it is, but because our moral compass does.
Cam Edwards spoke to Scott about his article last Friday on NRANews.



Hat tip to NRANews.

Tuesday, September 18, 2012

Washington Post Poll Shows Obama Leads Romney By 8% Among Likely Voters

The Washington Post has released the results of it's latest poll that, according to the poll, shows Obama leading in Virginia by 8% among likely voters.  Interestingly, that is a higher margin that Obama leads by among registered voters. Among registered voters, the spread is 7%.

Virginia does not register voters by party, though the State Board of Elections keeps track of who votes in party primaries, which is the only way to get an indication of the way particular voters lean.  So, a voter that only votes in Republican primaries and votes in every GOP primary, no matter how minor the office, it is likely safe to say is a GOP voter (same with the voter in Democrat primaries).  The individual who splits there time between party primaries could probably be identified as an independent.  For the purposes of this poll, it appears the Post relied on self identification rather than asking the SBE to sort the voter list by primary voters.  The spread among self identifying party affiliation is 8 points in favor of Democrats (32% to 24% with 35% identifying as Independent).

I'll let you decide if the poll is tilted.

Update: Norman Leahy has this to say about the poll over on Bearing Drift.

Saturday, September 15, 2012

Radford Latest State University to Ban Concealed Carry on Campus

WSLS NBC 10 reports that the Radford University Board of Visitors voted nine to five yesterday to ban students and employees from carrying firearms from buildings and university outdoor events.
The university's employees, students, and volunteers are prohibited from carrying, maintaining, or storing a firearm or weapon on any university property. Any visitor or other third party attending a sporting, entertainment, or educational event, or visiting an academic or administrative office building, dining facility, or residence hall, is prohibited from carrying, maintaining, or storing a firearm or weapon on any university facility, even if the owner has a valid permit. This prohibition also applies to all events on campus where people congregate in any public or outdoor areas.


Any such individual who is reported or discovered to possess a firearm or weapon on university property will be asked to remove it immediately from university property. Failure to comply may result in a student conduct referral, an employee disciplinary action, and/or arrest.
Since Attorney General Ken Cuccinelli last year said that colleges and universities must pass a regulation to restrict carrying concealed firearms by legal permit holders, most all of the state's public colleges and universities have voted to do so.  In the past, institutions of higher education had simple policies banning firearms but the Cuccinelli opinion said a simple policy was insufficient.

Friday, September 14, 2012

Goochland Planning Commission to Decide Orapax Sporting Clays Range Request

Orapax Hunting Preserve has applied to the Goochland Planning Commission and the Board of Supervisors to build a sporting clays range on their 700 acre property in the county. A public hearing will be held on Thursday, September 20, at 7:00 PM.  Orapax needs the help of gun owners to get approval.

Some of the owner's neighbors, the closest of which is a mile away from the property, oppose the request.  This isn't the first time that owner Andrew Dykers has dealt with opposition to his running a sporting clays range on his private property.  In 2007, Goochland passed an ordinance requiring a special permit to run a range on private property.

Mr. Dykers ran a shooting range alongside his hunting preserve from 1989 to 1991. When neighbors complained about the noise, county officials informed him that he had to apply for a conditional-use permit for the business. He applied for one and was denied, forcing him to shutter the operation.  Some of Dykers neighbors told WTVR 6 this week that they feel the sporting clays range would "disrupt their comfort and hurt property values."

If you live in Goochland and can't make the meeting, please contact the planning commission members and express your support for the application.

Planning Commission Members
District 1:
James P. Atkinson
5051 Shannon Hill Road
Kents Store, VA 23084
atkinson5150@aol.com
Phone: (804) 457-9239 (h)
Term Expires: 3/2013

District 2:
Ty Querry
2904 Stone Creek Drive
Sandy Hook, VA 23153
TQuerry@s3integration.com
Phone:  (804) 241-0912
Term Expires: 3/2013

District 3:
Derek Murray1835 Longbranch Drive
Maidens, VA 23102
derekmurray1@yahoo.com
Phone:  (804) 556-5537 (h)
Term Expires:  3/2014

District 4:
Joe Andrews534 Broad Street Road
Manakin-Sabot, VA 23103
Andrews804@aol.com
Phone:  (804) 784-1937 (h)
Term Expires:  3/2014

District 5:
Courtney Hyers
1263 Flat Rock Crossing
Manakin Sabot, VA 23103
cghyers24@comcast.net
Phone: (804) 784-2955 (h)
Term Expires: 3/2013

At Large:
Matt Brewer
4825 Twin Lake Drive
Goochland, VA 23063
md.brewery@gmail.com
Phone: (804) 307-2739 (c)
Term Expires: 3/2014

Tom Rockecharlie558 Woodson Court
Manakin Sabot, VA 23103
medsab@aol.com
Phone:  (804) 784-3317 (h)
Term Expires:  3/2014

Tuesday, September 11, 2012

WTVR Story About Online CHP Courses

WTVR TV6 is the latest to go after the online safety courses that are acceptable to qualify for a Virginia Concealed Handgun Permit (CHP).  VSSA has been asked to comment for a number of firearm related stories that WTVR has run in the past and have found them to be fair.  The reporter for this story, Mark Holmberg, pointed out in the story that he believes a "well armed and well trained populace"  is the best defense against foreign invaders as well as "threats among us."  But he either misspoke, or made an over generalization about what concealed carry courses "historically" require.
Historically, conceal-carry classes take hours and include hands-on classroom instruction and then training and testing on the firing line. Even strong gun-rights states like Texas take this training very seriously.
I'll give Mr. Holmberg the benefit of the doubt that he was speaking in general and not about what Virginia "historically" has required as a qualifying safety course as Virginia has never required range time and even accepts hunter education courses as a qualifying safety course for a CHP. There are probably some people that would argue a hunter education course does not prepare you to carry a concealed handgun.

People can debate what should or should not be required to qualify for a CHP (and VSSA has heard from at least one NRA Certified instructor who believes Virginia's requirements are not strong enough), but let's be clear, an online course imparts basic safety information, which is all Virginia law has ever required.  This writer has counseled anyone considering getting a CHP and carrying firearm for self-defense to a)take the decision very seriously and b)training to carry means more than just the basic course required for the permit.  Many will probably agree that is commonsense.  What causes debate is whether the government can and/or should legislate commonsense.  Holmberg's complete report is below.

Christian Science Monitor Comparison of Romney, Obama on Firearm Rights

On Sunday, The Christian Science Monitor had this comparison of Romney's and Obama's stands on firearm related issues.  While I did chuckle at the CSM's choice of Obama's photo (below),

mitt romney barack obama
saying the two candidates have similar stands, and pointing to the fact that the only gun related actions Obama has taken expanded gun owner rights (carrying in national parks and transporting in checked luggage on Amtrak trains as is allowed on airplanes), misses the mark. Both of those measures were attached to legislation Obama wanted more than he did not want the gun related amendments.

The CSM did not mention that the administration is collecting data on multiple sales of long guns along the southern border in violation of the law, nor did they mention that he has appointed two very anti-rights justices to the Supreme Court.

While Romney is not perfect, he has more than once spoken to the largest gathering of gun owners in the nation (NRA Celebration of American Values Forum in 2007 and the NRA Annual Meetings in 2008, 2009 and 2012).  Obama on the other hand repeatedly singles out modern sporting rifles as one of the types of firearms he would like to ban.  Just because he has not attempted to do anything in his first term legislatively, given his penchant for ruling by executive fiat of late, does anyone believe that an Obama unfettered by re-election would not resort to doing the same on the gun issue?

Cavalier Practical Pistol Shoot

The Cavalier Rifle and Pistol Club, a VSSA affiliated club, will hold their Practical Pistol Shoot this Saturday, September 15, beginning at 9:00 AM. For more information on the course of fire, entry fees, etc., click here.

Monday, September 10, 2012

Another Story on Surging Gun Sales

Over the weekend, CNBC had this story, noting increasing gun sales and posing the question of whether it was an Obama effect as in 2008.
Speculation has focused on fears of a coming regulatory crackdown on gun ownership. Liberal administrations tend to be anti-gun and so, the thinking goes, an Obama re-election would set the stage for stricter gun purchasing requirements. Hence, people are buying now in anticipation of difficulty later.
It's no secret to the gun owners that the firearms industry is the only industry that has flourished during Obama's first term.  Every year since mid 2008 has seen increased firearms sales, based on the number of background checks processed by the NICS and sales reported by the manufacturers.  While NICS checks is an indicator of sales, it gives an incomplete picture as someone purchasing more than one firearm at a time would only undergo one background check for the sale.


While some attribute the rise to the election or economic concerns, others believe there are other drivers, like greater acceptance of firearms ownership.  Either way, the firearms industry remains the only bright spot in the economy after four years of Obama.


Friday, September 7, 2012

Don't Be Fooled: Stand for Freedom, Stand Against Tim Kaine

NRA-ILA sent out an email this morning, that included the ad below targeting Democratic Senate Candidate Tim Kaine,



Tim Kaine is once again using the same old anti-rights language to try and convince gun owners that he supports our rights.  Under the heading "Individual Rights" the Kaine web site has this:
I am a strong supporter of the Second Amendment, and I served as legal counsel to the effort to guarantee Virginians the right to hunt and fish.  I was responsible for common sense reforms to gun laws in the aftermath of the Virginia Tech tragedy, and I am committed to making sure felons and the dangerously mentally ill cannot improperly purchase weapons.
Kaine has always used that line about being leagel counsel to the group pushing the "Right to Hunt and Fish" amendment back in 2000.  But  every serious pro-rights activist knows the Second Amendment is not about hunting and fishing.

Tim Kaine has a record that is mixed at best.  But when when he had a chance to sign meaningful legislation that expanded the rights of gun owners, he vetoed it. So don't be fooled. Stand for Freedom, Stand Against Tim Kaine.

Wednesday, September 5, 2012

Media Still Talking About Those Virginia Nonresident CHP Permits

Here is Harrisonburg's WHSV version of the story that was all over the media Monday courtesy of the AP.

For all the talk about the online version of the required safety course, it should once again be stressed that even before it was made clear by the General Assembly that online courses were acceptable, the Virginia training requirement was always very basic and even a hunter education course satisfied the requirement. The only thing that the online provision does is make it easier in these tough economic times when many are working two jobs, to qualify for a concealed handgun permit (CHP) without having to sit in a classroom for four or six hours. Virginia has never had a hands-on range time requirement.

Don't Be Distracted - Virgil Goode Will Not Be Elected President

The number one goal of every gun owner should be making sure that Barack Obama is not reelected.  There is only one way to do that, to rally around the only other candidate that has the chance of being elected, even if that candidate is not the "perfect" candidate.

Yesterday, the State Board of Elections certified former congressman Virgil Goode to appear on the ballot in Virginia as the Constitution Party Candidate.  There is no question that former Representative Goode has a spotless voting record on the Right to Keep and Bear Arms.  But folks,  Goode is not going to be elected President.  By his own admission to the Roanoke Times, he has only qualified to be on the ballot in 12 states.  Twelve states will not get a candidate elected.

As stated in an earlier post, the stakes are too high in this election to cast a vote that will serve to do nothing more than help reelect Barack Obama.  And make no mistake, a vote for a third party candidate this year is a vote for Barack Obama.

Rahm Emanuel Predicts Winner of Election Will Set Agenda for Next Four Decades

If gun owners needed another reason to be "All In" for the 2012 election, former Obama Chief of Staff and current Mayor of Chicago, Rahm Emanuel gave us just that reason last night.  Speaking to the Democratic National Convention, Emanuel predicted that the next president will set the agenda not for the next four years, but for the next four decades.  How could that happen?  Think about those possible two to three Supreme Court vacancies that could occur in the next four years.  Obama has shown the ability to nominate individuals who not only do not respect the individual right to keep and bear arms, but also individuals who are relatively young and who could serve for the next 30 - 40 years on the court.  Obama has also shown he is very adept a ruling by fiat and regulation.  When was the last time a federal regulation was rescinded?  It happens, but not very often.

Tuesday, September 4, 2012

A Tale of Two Platforms

Last week, delegates to the Republican National Convention approved a party platform that contained a 300 word plank related to the right to keep and bear arms. Today's Guns and Patriots e-newsletter had a link t0 the entire 300 word plank, but here is how it starts:
"We uphold the right of individuals to keep and bear arms, a right which antedated the Constitution and was solemnly confirmed by the Second Amendment. We acknowledge, support, and defend the law-abiding citizens' God-given right of self-defense,"
This writer never really doubted that the RNC Platform would come out strongly pro-rights given the Fast and Furious debacle and the fact most of the delegates are far more conservative than the establishment GOP.  

The larger question is what would the Democrats do.  Four years ago, then candidate Barack Obama tried to convince gun owners that they had nothing to fear from him when it came to their right to keep and bear arms.  He even had an astro-turf gun organzation, American Hunters and Shooters Association, which apparently is now defunct, schilling for Team Obama.  Fast forward to 2012.  Team Obama has tried to use the fact he signed two bills with pro-rights amendments as proof he is no threat to the 2nd Amendment Rights of Americans, omitting the fact that he did not push for the amendments, and also omitting the fact that he wanted the underlying bills more than he did not want the pro-rights provisions. Would Team Obama try and at least mouth support for the rights of gun owners in their party's platform?

Well, we got our answer yesterday.  The Hill Newspaper reported that the Democratic Platform calls for gun gontrol, but that some advocates don't believe the plank goes far enough.
The draft language of the Democrats' 2012 platform — set for a final vote this week in Charlotte, N.C. — argues that current safeguards protecting the public against gun violence are insufficient and urges "an honest and open conversation about firearms."

The document also calls for "reasonable regulation" governing guns, including laws banning assault weapons and requiring all gun sellers — not just licensed dealers — to perform background checks on potential buyers.
Mayors Against Illegal Guns (MAIG) think the drafters are being too timid.
"The platforms are largely irrelevant, except as evidence of how confident a party feels on a topic, and the Democratic language on guns is a terrific example of how completely they blow this issue," Glaze said Friday in an email.
With polls showing a yearly decrease for support of the anti-rights position, it appears that it is MAIG who doesn't understand the issue.  The Hill notes that the 2012 Democratic plank mirrors the language in the 2008 Platform, with the exception that they haved added the part about an "honest and open conversation about firearms."  When it comes to an "honest" conversation on firearms, don't look to MAIG.

CCW Reciprocity

After yesterday's post about the increase of the issuance of Virginia Nonresident Concealed Handgun Permits, we received an email with a link to 5.11Tactical.com that includes a graphic entitled States of Honor.  It's great for finding out which states have the most honored CCW Permits, which states honor the most permits, and whether your state honors more permits than it is honored by.

States of Honor: CCW Reciprocity
Source: 5.11 Tactical

Hat tip to Carson Ward for passing on the link.

Monday, September 3, 2012

Do Online Classes Make it Easier for Non-Residents to Get VA Concealed Carry Permits?

Newspapers from Seattle to Minnesota are all a twitter with this AP report that Virginia's acceptance of online firearm safety classes to meet the safety requirement for a Virginia Concealed Handgun Permit (CHP) may have made it easier for non-residents to obtain Virginia permits.
Virginia State Police issued 1,632 concealed-carry permits to nonresidents through the first half of 2012, topping the previous year's total of 1,321 nonresident permits. There was no corresponding increase in demand for resident permits, with just under half the previous year's number reached by mid-2012.
The report notes that while the state police do not track how many people take online courses, the state police said the increase took place after the General Assembly passed a law making it clear that online courses qualified as meeting the safety course requirement. 

Virginia's safety requirement is not overly difficult.  The CHP statute lists a number of course options that meet the requirement.  For instance, Virginia accepts any NRA training course and even accepts hunter education courses, to meet the firearm safety course requirement.  So, presuming that a nonresident applying for a Virginia permit already has a permit in their home state, and that state has a safety requirement, all they have to do is provide proof of successful completion of the course they have already completed in their home state, when they apply for the Virginia permit.  So, is this all a lot to-do about nothing?

One reason for the demand for nonresident permits may be due to the fact that Virginia only has reciprocity agreements with 13 states and has mutual recognition agreements with an additional 12 states.  Virginia also will grant recognition to permit holders of Minnesota and Washington, though those states may or may not recognize Virginia's permits carried by residents of Virginia while in those states. So, for the residents of states in the other half of the country for which Virginia does not recognize their permits, a Virginia nonresident permit is the next best option to the Utah permit, which most everyone agrees is the permit to possess for those who travel widely throughout the United States.

Senate Bill 1528, which made it clear that online courses were an acceptable form of training, was passed by the General Assembly and signed into law in 2009.