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                         Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: THURSDAY, February 6, 1992                   TAG: 9202060511
SECTION: EDITORIAL                    PAGE: A-12   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: 
DATELINE:                                 LENGTH: Short

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REQUIRE LICENSE FOR BUYING FIREARM

WITHOUT any argument about the "right to bear arms," the simplest and best way to control the illegal use of all firearms is to require registration and purchase of a license for each firearm. A fee of $20 will finance this registration, and annual collection.

The sale or gift of any firearm (other than by registered dealers) would have to be reported. Carrying a firearm without a valid license would be subject to a fine of $1,000. Possession and licensing of a firearm would be restricted below the age of 18.

Such a law would increase state revenue and reduce carrying and ownership of firearms by schoolchildren. GERALDINE M. BUTTERFIELD BLUE RIDGE

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