ANTI-GUN RANT FROM THE Decatur Daily Democrat

"Ever since July 1 -- when yet another gun-lovers' law loosened up Virginia's already lax governance of weapons -- it's been one big macho-fest for heat-packers who get their courage from strapping on pistols. Not every diner may relish the sight of six armed men at the next table, but unless the General Assembly comes to its senses next year, families out for a gathering will have to get used to pistols and ammo belts with their burgers and fries."

Note: "The Decatur Daily Democrat's" home state, Illinois, has a per capita gun death rate more than half again as high as Virginia's -- but of course, that's less important than some diners being upset by the intrusion of reality into their little illusions