---

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

DATE: WEDNESDAY, February 24, 1993                   TAG: 9302240431
SECTION: EDITORIAL                    PAGE: A10   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: 
DATELINE:                                 LENGTH: Short

---

WOMEN MUST SPEAK OUT ON GUN ISSUE

I HAVE read the many expressions of opinion that have appeared in the Roanoke Times & World-News regarding the proposed handgun-control law that is facing our elected representatives. Virginians have become known as a good source for supplying guns to other states, quick and easy. Some of our citizens have recoiled from speaking up about their concern about handgun crimes, in fear of retaliation from the publicized 800,000 members of the National Rifle Association who stress the right to self-protection and " . . . right to bear Arms . . . " (Second Amendment to the Constitution).

Statistics show that 65 percent of handgun crimes are committed against women. How many women of Virginia are members of the NRA, and how many have had husbands and children killed by handguns in the commission of a crime? More women vote in elections than do men. Are the women of Virginia going to remain silent and let ourselves be intimidated into submission on such an important issue?

I say to all women of Virginia, think not just of the Second Amendment, but think of the First: "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press, or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances."

I feel we have a grievance here that is too important to ignore. It's time to take a stand, so contact your state representatives to let them know your opinion. They need to know now! JUNE M. HAZELTON RADFORD

---