George,

I admired Emily Couric's pragmatic approach to legislation. If she felt that the quo was worth more than the quid she'd go for it ..... nothing, I mean absolutely nothing is accomplished if you aren't elected and Emily knew this. Emily accomplished much.

I hate guns and all they represent in our modern society, I also know that the framers of the Constitution would not have wanted a civilized society carrying AK-47s ,Uzis etc.

In the era of the Second Amendment, it took a well trained individual to load and fire one round in less than a minute, now, one individual can fire hundreds of lethal rounds in less than one minute.Unregulated use of something as deadly as guns is simply nuts.We regulate plastic bag use, prescription drugs, sexual offenders ad infinitum, but not something whose sole purpose is to kill.

Just to think that our political dialogue is influenced by the wacky leadership of the NRA is frightening.

That is the my take on the issue, but, that said, I also recognize the emotional tie many Virginians have to gun ownership and, much as I hold my nose when I say this, it appears that a candidate in the 25th District greatly lessens her/his chances of getting anywhere taking my position. And I'm not a candidate.

There must be a time when the issue of guns must be debated by responsible leaders ,,,,,,,,,,, but after December 18.

Harry Tenney (electronic mail, November 16, 2001).