Virginian voices on guns

From America's first days, Virginians with strong opinions were shaping the nation's gun legacy:

"I ask, sir, what is the militia? It is the whole people."
– George Mason, co-author of the Second Amendment, during Virginia's convention to ratify the Constitution, 1788

"The great object is that every man be armed. Everyone who is able may have a gun."
– Patrick Henry, also during the Virginia Convention, 1788

"A strong body makes the mind strong. As to the species of exercises, I advise the gun. While this gives moderate exercise to the body, it gives boldness, enterprise and independence to the mind. ... Let your gun therefore be the constant companion of your walks."
– Thomas Jefferson, 1785

Did you know?

- In 2007, an aide to U.S. Sen. Jim Webb of Virginia was arrested after he tried to carry a briefcase containing Webb's handgun into the U.S. Capitol complex. Webb said the incident was a mistake and charges were eventually dropped, but the aide spent a night in jail for violating Washington's handgun ban.

- North Carolina is one of six states that require handgun buyers to obtain a permit from their local sheriff.

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