Let me just say, for the record, that I do not own a gun. Of any kind. I’m not a hunter, and besides that I’ve never felt the need or desire to have a handgun. I feel pretty safe as is (though I understand why those living and working in certain areas would not). In my opinion, too, some people purchase guns not out of necessity or fear of personal safety, but simply because they can. There is probably a sense of empowerment that comes with owning a gun, and I suspect that is what drives some to buy them. I’m not suggesting that is wrong; rather, simply pointing out that in some cases the desire to “protect the family” is secondary to the desire to actually have such a weapon in one’s possession. I have no studies to back that up, and I’m too lazy to search for some…simply an observation based on those I know and talk to.

With all that said, the uproar over Virginia’s move to allow concealed carry in restaurants has been a little over-the-top. Some of the comments I’ve read seem to suggest that this will turn Virginia’s eating establishments into wild west saloons, with families huddled under tables as bullets rain overhead. That seems incredibly unlikely to me. Fact is, people were probably packing heat in those same restaurants before anyway, so the practical effect of such a change is virtually nonexistent. (Just like the move to raise the speed limit…people are driving well over 70 now, and have been.) Plus, I suspect most gun owners are well-educated about their firearms and schooled in the areas of safety; buying a gun doesn’t mean you suddenly have wanton disregard for human life. It would seem that most would want to learn how to use it properly. And, there is something to be said for the sad truth that gun free zones don’t equal safe. In the Columbine and Va Tech situations, you could argue that law-abiding citizens were put at a decided disadvantage due to policies that perps never follow themselves. (I’m not advocating guns in schools, merely pointing out that those with criminal intent don’t tend to follow laws and regulations.)

So, I think it’s much ado about nothing. Personally, if I were in elected office I wouldn’t choose this particular battle to fight, but that being said I don’t see a big problem with it, either.