THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Thursday, February 9, 1995 TAG: 9502090009
SECTION: FRONT PAGE: A14 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Editorial
LENGTH: Medium: 56 lines
The state legislature is doing its part to arm the citizenry. On Tuesday, the Senate approved a measure that would prohibit judges from denying concealed-weapon permits unless applicants are felons, drunks, drug abusers or misfits. An applicant would no longer have to show a need for carrying a concealed weapon. Wanting to would be reason enough.
The senate wants to relax rules for weapons permits - relax them to the point of a sound sleep - because the Senate seemingly agrees an armed citizenry is a polite citizenry and a safe citizenry.
Now it is time for the private sector to weigh in with its support of an armed citizenry.
Immediately, no later than noon today, employers should drop their silly bans on guns in the workplace. What are they thinking about? Bosses should set the example by packing nasty-looking weapons that seem to say, ``Be polite to me. Please!''
Imagine if waiters and waitresses were packing heat. If one of them sneered and muttered, ``That tip's not 15 percent,'' diners would pay attention.
In recent years, many disgruntled postal workers have gunned down their fellows. It's time for gruntled postal workers to arm themselves as well.
If 7-Eleven employees held guns to the heads of wee-morning shoppers, who could blame them, given the employees' fatality rate?
Schoolteachers have reported discipline problems in recent decades. One or two rounds fired low over the heads of unruly students would get their attention and perhaps instill fear, an essential element in discipline.
Ministers might fire a few rounds through the roof to get across a message regarding damnation.
The arming of the citizenry apparently has bipartisan support. By a 24-16 vote, the Senate favored relaxing the weapons-permit rules. All Hampton Roads Republicans favored the measure, as did Democrats Clarence A. Holland of Virginia Beach and Richard J. Holland of Isle of Wight County.
There always are naysayers. Sen. Richard L. Saslaw, D-Fairfax, said, ``We're going to give a permit to every Tom, Dick and Harry that hasn't been convicted of a felony - every nutcake in Virginia.''
Well, Virginians have always taken pride in their eccentricities, and now this confused senator from the county that's a city wants to deny nutcakes their guns.
If concealed weapons are a good idea outside the workplace, they are a good idea inside the workplace, and employers should do their part. Think of it as another form of privatization.
Enlightened employers will provide target ranges on the premises.
And remember, guns don't kill people; people kill people. Avoid people.
KEYWORDS: GUN PERMITS GUN CONTROL by CNB