Virginia Governor Renews Push To Halt Private Firearms Transations At Gun Shows

Background checks in Virginia ONLY at gun shows? Feel good pablum once again is being shoved down the throats of Virginians via the Old Dominion's Number One nanny state politician. Mainstream media is reporting that his announcement was emotional.

What about private transactions between two individuals who meet in Virginia through an ad in the newspaper? What about two neighbors or friends or buy and sell a firearm or two between them? What about a devoted daughter who buys her aged father's firearms to help him out? Aren't these same transations just as "dangerous" as a private transaction at a gun show?

And what about private sales of automobiles by unlicensed dealers (yes, thats you and me folks, devouring the possibilities in our Tradin Times newspaper). That issue is being wholly ignored by Gov. Kaine in favor of something his handlers tell him is more politically correct. Lest we forget, cars kill.

It didn't take long for the Brady Campaign's (formerly Handgun Control Inc.) Paul Helmke to exploit the ill-advised proposal from Mr. Kaine. Here is a snippet of Helmke's remarks in a statement issued yesterday:

"Closing the gun show loophole does not negatively affect gun shows. Indeed, the only economic impact is on the most reckless sellers of firearms. We should stop those who are deliberately marketing to buyers who can't pass a background check. Virginia can do more to protect the public's safety."

Insulted? I am and I don't even live there. Helmke's remarks are crafted to inflame an uneducated public. Instead, I believe the Brady Campaign's carefully written, focus group-tested words, instead, will create ill will for the good governor among ordinary, honest Virginia taxpayers.

He and his advisers may think banning private firearm transactions at gun shows is something easily done. I suspect he will be quite surprised by the response he receives from his constituents.