Here we go again. Yet another politician who acts on emotion rater than facts. To capitalize on a National tragedy without specifically referencing it, to push her fear based agenda and to diminish our Bill of Rights.

I strongly support Janet Howell on this issue. No doubt Joe Brenchick will continue to voice his opinion after every comment (and by now, we all are aware of his opinion) - guns have no place in a classroom, and background checks do not infringe on law abiding citizens rights to purchase a firearm.

Whatever happened to Project Exile, or Virginia Exile? These initiatives concentrated on criminals with firearms. Oh, I guess actually stopping crime isn't important when your agenda is to disarm law-abiding citizens. Janet Howell, you have just qualified in my eyes as a hypocrite.

Janet Powell's position on gun control is consistent with her Norther Virginia constituents. Unfortunately some legislators like Barbara Comstock take their cues from out-of-state interests such as the NRA and ALEC. We need legislators that listen to us not ideologues funded by right wing extremists.

Just because the NRA is headquartered in VA does not make it an 'in-state' interest. It makes it a political interest, just like the hundreds of other 'non-profits' here in VA. Proximity. Poor linear logic @kohlenberger.

Responsible gun laws, and whether or not Powell's position appears to be hypocritical, are not connected. Gun ownership comes with responsibility. See? Responsible gun ownership. It's not a difficult concept.

Virginia Citizens Defense League (VCDL) is an in-State interest group. Responsible gun ownership is often code for more anti-gun laws/regulation. Laws that are proven to punish the law abiding citizen while doing nothing to deter the criminal.

Susan, no one said anything about abolishing background checks. In fact, Virginia state wide, those of us with concealed weapon permits have a lower criminal rate than any other group. The question you impose is where are we permitted to protect ourselves.

Ever wonder why so many nut-jobs choose a school? It is the place where they are guaranteed to not meet armed opposition. Sadly, too many like Janet Howell think a sign with a picture of a crossed-out gun will protect our children against evil.

Our children, not Janet Howell. Her office is protected by armed police.

Mr. Holmquist, I too am a gun rights supporter and you have to admit that "kids" the same age are fighting in Iraq and Afghanistan. There's also a large percentage of today's students who are veterans using their GI Benefits.

Those of us who have Concealed Weapons Permits are among the most law abiding groups in the country. Why should my right to self defense be deigned simply because I wish to take a night class?

Armed students? Both sides of the gun controversy are nutty! Armed students is just as crazy an our completely unprotected schools. Janet Howell has trained policeman protecting her. How about the same for our schools? Here is an idea.

Auxiliary police. There are part-time cops and firemen aplenty. They are trained policemen, not gun-toting amateurs. There are teachers and administrators who could, and probably would take the job. Unlike Columbine, where the cops hoisted the yellow flag and set up a perimeter, letting events play out inside, teachers would be inside and already be emotionally invested in their students.

I contend that the possibly of an armed response would deter your nut-job. Last thing he wants is to be blown away before his personal jihad plays. He will find a softer target than our school children.

Get rid of guns!!! How many need to die before you look at the big picture and say"Get rid of GUNS"!!!!

I am disappointed, but not surprised that no one responded to my proposal for auxiliary police in schools. There are certainly rational arguments pro and con. But rational argument requires one to think. Thinking is hard. Shouting slogans is easy. Sadly there will never be rational debate in gun control. Just foam-at-the-mouth sloganeering.

Sen. Janet Howell (D-32nd District) needs to get a clue. If she wants to represent
her District and save lives (a proven fact "guns save lives") the ideology she related in the article are false and proves she is out of touch with Virginians. Self Defense is a basic human right, the 2nd Amendment allows you and me to own a firearm if we meet certain requirements. If Senator Howell is being accosted by a would be robber or rapist, I will walk on by since she obviously does not want or need any help from a Concealed Permit holder.

This is tiresome. Slogans, not a rational argument.

Jack - Your not seriously attempting to make that tired old argument that you have to belong to a Militia to own a firearm. Rather than go into a long dissertation on basic sentence structure, I'll simply refer you to this link where Penn and Teller will explain it for you. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_YY5Rj4cQ50

Jack – Once again you’ve looked at an explanation but failed to grasp, or turned it to your pre-perceived, definition. Perhaps a more scholarly approach is what’s needed. A recent article written by Robert VerBruggen and published in The National Review lays out the context very well. http://www.nationalreview.com/articles/296922/making-hash-second-amendment-robert-verbruggen

Thank you Joe for laying out some facts, with check-able references. That is very refreshing. I am disappointed that there are not more like you in this supposedly highly-educated community.

Dick - Thank you very much for your acculades! What can I say except when confronted by the truth, supported by facts, replies from the opposition are often reduced to slander, slurs and gratuitous assertions. The debate is far from over.

Laura - There's an ages old bumper sticker which reads, "If guns are outlawed, only outlaws will have guns"