Yesterday My Governor Made me Proud:
Gov. Bob McDonnell Signs Virginia Restaurant Carry into LawFAIRFAX, Va. --- Governor Bob McDonnell has signed into law a NRA-backed measure allowing right-to-carry permit holders to carry a concealed firearm for self-defense in restaurants, providing they do not consume alcohol. State Senator Emmett Hanger (R-24) and Delegate Todd Gilbert (R-15) were the principal sponsors of Senate Bill 334/House Bill 505.
“This is a victory for self-defense in Virginia," said Chris W. Cox, executive director of the NRA’s Institute for Legislative Action. “As headlines remind us, violent crime can happen anywhere. Law-abiding Virginia residents now have the option to carry a firearm in restaurants to defend themselves and their loved ones.”
The measure passed the State Senate in February by a margin of 22-18 and passed the House of Delegates in early March with a vote of 72-27. Virginia is the 42nd state to extend self-defense rights to permit holders in restaurants.
“The right to self-defense and the protection of loved ones in and outside the home is vital. We are pleased that Virginia passed these laws to enhance the self-defense rights of law-abiding folks in the Commonwealth,” concluded Cox. “The NRA would like to thank Governor Bob McDonnell and the lead bill sponsors, Senator Emmett Hanger and Delegate Todd Gilbert, as well as all the other legislators who supported this common-sense measure.”
Virginians can thank Governor Bob McDonnell for his Second Amendment support at (804) 786-2211 or click here to thank him via email. (source)
From my understanding of law the Governor could have just ignored the bill and not signed it and it would have become law (as long as he didn't veto it). BUT we have a governor who not only supports us through omission, but also stands up for rights by putting his NAME on bills that he supports.
Today I am thankful. I am thankful that I will (soon) be able to go to any restaurant serving alcohol without having to open carry my firearm. I am thankful that I can now enjoy spending time with my friends in restaurants without the worry that someone could see one of our guns and flip out (or worse) about it. I am thankful that a law that was practically unenforceable and most definitely designed to make carrying a fire-arm more difficult and cumbersome has finally been repealed. I am thankful that i live in a state with many legislators working to strengthen gun rights (and not the opposite). I am thankful.
♥