The Virginian-Pilot
                             THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT 
              Copyright (c) 1994, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: Wednesday, August 17, 1994             TAG: 9408170004
SECTION: FRONT                    PAGE: A12  EDITION: FINAL 
TYPE: Letter 
                                             LENGTH: Short :   28 lines

CRIME AND THE RIGHT TO BEAR ARMS

Crime is the greatest concern of the American people. The best deterrent to crime is an armed citizenry.

The problem is, I'm not that accurate with a handgun. That's why I want a hand grenade. With a hand grenade, I wouldn't have to be that accurate.

I demand my constitutional right to bear arms. Any limit to this basic human right is a threat to the freedom of all Americans.

It is this kind of thinking, by the NRA and its Republican lap dogs, that is threatening to kill the most sweeping anti-crime bill in years.

The bill includes a ``three-strikes-you're-out'' provision. Should someone convicted of three felonies be allowed out on the streets where he can continue to be a threat to society? (Example: Oliver North.) I don't think so.

DAVID L. CAMPBELL

Virginia Beach, Aug. 12, 1994 by CNB