By Dave Workman
Editor-in-Chief
After Monday’s “Lobby Day” at the Virginia capitol in Richmond, there is no doubt that gun control is in the spotlight, and that once again, with Democrats in control of the legislature, the fight is on.
Democrats arrived in Richmond with gun restrictions high on their agenda, including a ban on so-called “assault weapons.” Republicans, on the other hand, are looking to ease restrictions, according to the Cardinal News.
Possibly the only thing that will prevent Democrats from once again pushing Second Amendment restrictions in the Old Dominion is Gov. Glenn Youngkin, the Republican businessman who defied the odds two years ago to win the election. He is not likely to sign restrictive gun control bills.
WRIC News is reporting that hundreds of Second Amendment activists gathered for the Lobby Day event. They are in no mood to compromise, setting the stage for some fireworks this session.
The Virginia Citizens Defense League (VCDL) actually bused activists into Richmond from across the commonwealth, according to WTVR News. Gun Owners of America was also represented. Cam Edwards, a member of the Citizens Committee for the Right to Keep and Bear Arms’ Board of Directors, also was there, speaking on behalf of the VCDL.
As reported by the Cardinal News, newly-elected Democrat House Speaker Del. Don Scott vowed to pass the semi-auto ban legislation. Over in the Senate, State Sen. Creigh Deeds, also a Democrat, is reportedly pushing SB 2, which would make the possession or sale of an “assault-style weapon” or a “large-capacity” magazine a Class I misdemeanor.
Incredibly, one bill seeks to prevent firearms instructors affiliated with either the National Rifle Association or the U.S. Concealed Carry Association from teaching classes required to obtain handgun permits, the Cardinal News noted. According to a summary of House Bill 319, “Firearms instructors and safety programs; National Rifle Association and United States Concealed Carry Association. Removes references to the National Rifle Association (the NRA) and the United States Concealed Carry Association from the Code that allow the organizations to certify ranges and instructors and for courses offered by them to serve as proof of demonstrated competence in firearms safety and training for the purpose of obtaining a concealed handgun permit or receiving training as a minor in the use of pneumatic guns. The bill also repeals authority for special license plates in support of the NRA.”
Long story short, Democrats have revived their entire gun control agenda and will try to ram as much of it through as possible, and they appear determined to prevent some of the best firearms instructors from teaching safety courses.
Standing in their way is Youngkin, who reportedly prefers legislation holding criminals accountable for the crimes they commit.
The Cardinal News also reported that Republican Sen. John McGuire is backing a bill to expand concealed carry to cover such things as dirks, knives and other tools which were common at the time of the founding.
