Carolyn McCarthy Slams Virginia Gun Laws

It's not bad enough that congress critters spout off about most anything whether they know what they are talking about or not. They are given free print space on national news web sites to share their opinions with the world. Today, U.S. News posted an OP/Ed on their web site from New York Congresswoman Carolyn McCarthy, one of the most anti-rights members of the U.S. House where she states that "Open Carry Gun Laws Turn the Country Back into the Wild West."

There are only three states, Florida, Texas, and Illinois, and the District of Columbia that outright prohibit the open carrying of handguns. Only three!

Then in the next stroke of her pen, she tells us she is not against people owning guns, then uses the worn out cliche that we have fallen back to the Wild West.

Now, contrary to public perception, I have never been against people owning guns for protection, hunting, or sport. But there are days when I read the newspaper or am watching the news and it seems as if our country is back in the Wild West.

She doesn't waste much time mischaracterizing the just signed repeal of the restaurant ban either while at the same time using some little known college poll to back up her claim that the public is against self-defense in restaurants.

For example, Virginia recently passed a bill that will allow people to carry concealed guns in bars and restaurants as long as they do not consume any alcohol. According to a October 2009 Christopher Newport University poll, 68 percent of likely voters in Virginia answered "no" when asked if they thought people with concealed weapons permits should be allowed to bring their guns into restaurants that sell alcohol— 68 percent! What happened to listening to what the voters want? I further agree with the State Association of Chiefs of Police, who sent a letter to Gov. Bob McDonnell asking that he veto the law because the combination of firearms and alcohol is similar to drinking while driving. Shouldn't we at least listen to those whose job it is to keep us safe: our law enforcement officials?

Never mind the fact that before Virginia passed its law allowing concealed carry in restaurants like Applebees and Olive Garden, there had been no carnage in the other 41 states that already allow people to be prepared to defend their families should it become necessary. And, I would like to know if those chiefs of police who oppose you and me carrying in restaurants oppose retired law enforcement from carrying, or Commonwealth's Attorneys? These are two classes of citizens that already had the right, and they are allowed to consume alcohol while carrying. The bill signed by Governor McDonnell expressly forbids consumption.

As for open carry, Starbucks and a number of firearm friendly businesses in Virginia that regularly welcome gun owners that openly carry can attest that those choosing to exercise the right are law abiding and simply want to patron their businesses. In this economy, I would think that a business would welcome a buck where ever they can get it. I can think of no better patron than a gun owner.