Virginia – -(AmmoLand.com)- Initial responses from Virginia Republican leadership on the Democrats’ call for a special legislative session to push gun control are positive. Both Speaker Kirk Cox and Majority Leader Todd Gilbert have been strong on protecting gun rights in the past. That said, there is no guarantee that things can’t go terribly wrong. Complacency could lead to disaster.
Statement by Kirk Cox:
Statement of House Speaker Kirk Cox on Special Session
Republicans will put forward package of legislation to toughen penalties and mandatory minimums for those who use firearms to commit crimes
Virginia House of Delegates Speaker Kirk Cox released the following statement Tuesday after Governor Ralph Northam announced he would call a Special Session following the tragic shooting in Virginia Beach.“The terrible shooting that occurred in Virginia Beach just four days ago is still painfully fresh for everyone, especially the 12 families that lost loved ones. First and foremost, we continue to pray for the victims, thank the first responders, and extend our gratitude to law enforcement for their dedication to the safety of that community.
“The Governor’s call to Special Session is hasty and suspect when considered against the backdrop of the last few months. While the Governor can call a special session, he cannot specify what the General Assembly chooses to consider or how we do our work. We intend to use that time to take productive steps to address gun violence by holding criminals accountable with tougher sentences — including mandatory minimums.
“Following the tragedy at Virginia Tech in 2007 and 2017’s shooting in Parkland, Florida, Virginia took a very deliberative approach that ultimately ended in substantive and bipartisan reforms to keep our communities safer. The governor’s call to Special Session is more likely to inflame political tensions than produce substantive public policy changes that will keep people safe.
“We believe addressing gun violence starts with holding criminals accountable for their actions, not infringing on the constitutional rights of law-abiding citizens. When the Special Session convenes, Republicans will put forward a package of legislation to stiffen penalties for those who use firearms to commit crimes, including mandatory minimum sentences. These steps, combined with our ongoing efforts to strengthen the mental and behavioral health system, are the best ways to keep our communities safe from those who commit violence with guns.
“The House of Delegates will convene upon the Governor’s call as constitutionally required and work within the rules we adopt and the regular legislative process to consider any matter before us. Our actions will be based on sound public policy and the best interests of the Commonwealth.”
About Virginia Citizens Defense League, Inc. (VCDL):
Virginia Citizens Defense League, Inc. (VCDL). VCDL is an all-volunteer, non-partisan grassroots organization dedicated to defending the human rights of all Virginians. The Right to Keep and Bear Arms is a fundamental human right.
For more information, visit: www.vcdl.org.
As long as we continue to live in a society that champions individual rights over the collective ( Socialist) nanny state, there will ALWAYS be some elements of risk to ones safety and security ; this is agreed that said risk is acceptable by a free society.
We assume risk EVERY DAY when we get in our cars, fly in airplanes, eat at restaurants, cross a street, etc….
I believe Dr. Franklin said it best that “ those who give up some freedom in return for safety, soon will have neither “.
For once I agree with Bill O’Reilly. Bad guys shooting people is the price of freedom. Liberty is risky business. That’s why our Founding Fathers recognized our God-given right to shoot back.
Making good people helpless does not make bad people harmless.
Am I the only person who thinks that,MAYBE, these criminal actions with firearms are TOO timely…would make a plot for a great novel..someone, with lots of disposable income, decides they are going to influence the outcome on gun control by finding wackos, winding them up, and pointing them at an easy target. Most likely in gun free zones…and then the liberal media takes over…and boom. That’s all everyone is talking about…not the great deal Mr. Trump just signed with Mexico, not the hero that saved 3 kids, or the single Mom that held an attacker at gun point for 30… Read more »
There’s too much truth in your scenario to be a plausible fiction novel.
I definitely believe what you say MORE than likely true. It would give the Democommunists exactly the boost towards domination over freedom they desperately crave. They’ve already proven human life means nothing to them in their quest for absolute power.
I have always thought that.Its a key plan in the socialists handbook.I agree with you.”be watchful”.
Unfortunately, a very real possibility. Consider, in 2017, every time the House would bring up the Concealed Carry Reciprocity act or the Hearing Protection Act, there would be a “mass shooting” that was “random” and the bills would get back burnered due to it not being “appropriate” to act on those bills.
Make elected servants honor their Oath of Office, and stop trying to explain away their inept abilty to control criminals, by shamelessly attempting to convince everyone that somehow, the Law Abiding citizens of this country are responsible for the actions of the lawless.
The special General Assembly session is set for Tuesday, July 9th in Richmond. Both the VCDL (Virginia Citizens Defense League), and the VSSA (Virginia Shooting Sports Association) and their membership will be there in force. Stand Fast and Stand Firm!
Kirk Cox used the Democrat gun haters terminology “gun violence”. He should call it what it is, criminal misuse of firearms.
This was a tragedy. But you are talking about gun control yet again. So, this bill will be holding criminals accountable. A load of bull. Criminals will get the guns illegally. You’re going after law abiding citizens. Any Republicans that vote for this bill will pay for it at the voters booth. This tragedy came at the right time didn’t it. No more black face scandal, no more let’s murder babies after they’re born and on the table, no more Lt. governor rapist scandal. No gun control. You’re just trying to take law abiding citizens gun rights away. The voters… Read more »
Such a belated retaliation against the politicians who pass laws in contravention of the Constitution is doomed as long as there is no conservative candidate willing to take on the entrenched political establishment(s). I’ve reached the conclusion that there is but one major political party, that being big government. The democrat and republican factions of that party are engaged in a never ending kabuki theater to distract the voters from the machinations of unelected bureaucrats that comprise the “deep state”.
I believe that you have something here.