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Delegate Ken Plum's
Virginia e-News
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Commentary
Within Constitutional Limits
Delegate Kenneth R. "Ken" Plum
Our newly minted senator from Virginia Tim Kaine made the best response I have heard to those who argue that the Second Amendment is an absolute right to own guns. As Senator Kaine wrote in an opinion column in the Virginian Pilot last week, "A Virginian, James Madison, drafted the Bill of Rights, and we in the Commonwealth believe strongly in the Second Amendment. But just as we know that the First Amendment's protection of free speech gives no protection to slander or child pornography, we also understand that the individual right to bear arms is tempered by a responsibility to society." (Let Senate Vote on Gun Measures) Senator Kaine deserves our commendation and praise for being willing to stand up and speak out on this contentious issue even though he is being vilified by others in online media for his principled stand.
It appears that the Senate may move forward on legislation to require background checks for gun purchases. Such legislation has broad public support and as long as the details are not filled with loopholes should be passed. Equally as important is the need for a ban on assault-type military weapons and high volume magazines. In announcing his support for such a law, Senator Kaine wrote, "There is no piece of legislation that will eliminate violence; but if we take concrete steps, we can make our communities safer."
The Children's Defense Fund (CDF) published a very informative and heavily documented paper recently, "Protect Children, Not Guns: The Truth about Guns." Among its documented findings, a gun in the home increases the risk of homicide, suicide, and accidental death. Not surprisingly, guns make violence more
deadly. They cite a study that found that "guns make killing easy, efficient, and somewhat impersonal, thereby increasing the lethality of anger and violence." The Children's Defense Fund stated that better enforcement of gun safety laws is needed but is not enough. The Consumer Product Safety Commission is forbidden from regulating the sale and manufacture of guns. Loopholes in background check laws allow many people to get weapons without any check. The CDF contends that common sense gun safety laws help reduce gun violence while protecting the legal use of guns. I encourage everyone to read the full text of this paper at The Truth About Guns.
The time is now for the Congress to act responsibly on gun-related issues. Public opinion is overwhelmingly on the side of taking action, and that action can clearly be within constitutional limits. Hunters will still be able to have their rifles and shotguns. Hobbyists and collectors will still be able to obtain the guns they love. Law-abiding citizens will not be inconvenienced. Please join with me and others in local groups who are working to end gun violence. As Senator Kaine ended his column, "If we miss this opportunity, it will only be a matter of time before we are awakened again by the next gun tragedy to hit the evening news."
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Virginia Report on Comcast Channel 28
 Tune in to Ken's weekly television program, Virginia Report, on Reston Comcast Channel 28 for public service programming. Ken interviews state and local leaders who are making news by making a difference. Watch these upcoming programs:
TONIGHT - Wednesday, April 17 at 10:30 p.m. - Senator
Janet Howell, General Assembly 2013
Tuesday, April 23 at 7:30 p.m. and Wednesday, April 24 at 10:30 p.m. - Robert Chase, Northern Virginia Transportation Alliance
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Bulletin Board
Public Meetings on Local Bus Service: The proposed bus service plan that will coincide with the start of service on the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority's (WMATA) new Silver Line in December 2013 will be discussed at a series of public meetings. The plan includes the creation of 12 new routes, the restructuring of 24 existing routes and the elimination of six routes. The revised plan incorporates changes suggested by riders and the community since the original service proposal was released in January 2013. The complete bus service plan will be discussed at each meeting, with special emphasis placed on area service changes for the general vicinity of each meeting location.
--Tonight: Wednesday, April 17: 6:30-8:30 p.m. (Herndon Service Discussion), Herndon Town Council Chambers, 765 Lynn Street, Herndon. Transit: Fairfax Connector routes 950 and RIBS 5.
--Thursday, April 18: 6:30-8:30 p.m., (Reston Service Discussion), Reston Community Center Lake Anne, JoAnn Rose Library, 1609A Washington Plaza, Reston. Transit: Fairfax Connector routes 552, 574, RIBS 1 and RIBS 3.
Locating Local Farm Products: If you're looking for Virginia farm-fresh strawberries, vegetables, meats, eggs, and other products, consumers can use Farm Bureau Fresh to search for products in any of the 14 categories, or use a ZIP code to locate all producers in a specific area who sell to the public. In addition to addresses, phone numbers and farm websites, you'll be able to access a map and Google travel directions to each farm, stand or other venue.
Reston Association Honored for Smoke-Free Policy: The Partnership for a Healthier Fairfax presented a certificate of recognition to the Reston Association Board of Directors for supporting a public health policy that creates and promotes smoke-free outdoor common area recreational spaces and for helping to raise greater awareness about this important public health issue. Reston Association's smoke-free policy helps to protect the public from the harmful effects of secondhand smoke while sending a positive message about how recreational spaces should be used. The posting of politely worded SMOKE-FREE signage encouraging people to refrain from smoking in recreational spaces helps to promote and instill a positive public health message throughout the entire Reston community.
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Calendar of Events
United Christian Parish to Show Documentary "Half the Sky." On Friday, April 19, at 7:00 p.m., the Justice Mobilization Task Force of the United Christian Parish is showing the first part of the documentary "Half the Sky" by Nicholas Kristof and Sheryl WuDunn. Based on the book of the same name, the movie shows the oppression of women in developing countries of the world and some of the methods of alleviating that oppression. It is a must see for those wanting to know the reality of women's lives worldwide. The showing is free (not advisable for young children) and will be held at the church at 11508 North Shore Drive in Reston. Email JoAnne Norton at jnorton720@comcast.net for more information.
Reston Community Orchestra's 2nd Annual Caribbean Night, Friday, April 19, 7:30 p.m. at the Reston Community Center Hunters Woods. An evening of island music, dancing, food and drinks, silent auction, and raffles. For more information, go to http://restoncommunityorchestra.org/.
South Lakes Band on the Run 5k and Fun Run, Saturday, April 20, 8:30 a.m. The race--benefiting the South Lakes High School (SLHS) band program--starts and ends on the SLHS track and will continue on the trails in beautiful South Reston.Team and individual registrations are accepted for the 5k. Fun Run available for kids 12 years of age and younger. Every Fun Run participant will earn a medal; each pre-registered runner will receive a commemorative short sleeve T-shirt with the Band on the Run 5k logo, designed by SLHS student Kaitlin Soto. Band members from the South Lakes Pyramid schools will entertain runners on the course, and there will be post-race food, entertainment and individual and team awards. For more information or to register go to SLHS Band on the Run.
Senator Mark Warner invites high school and middle school students, their parents, and guidance counselors to Academy Day 2013, Saturday, April 20, 10:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m.
Attendees will be provided a comprehensive overview of the United States service academies and their admission process. In addition, students will be able to meet with officials from all five service academies as well as representatives from ROTC programs, Virginia Tech, and the Virginia Military Institute. Representatives from Virginia Congressional offices will be available to answer questions regarding the application procedures for congressional nominations. At the Paramount Theater, 215 East Main Street, Charlottesville, VA 22902. For more information on this event or the Academy Nomination Process, visit www.warner.senate.gov.
Save the date for the 10th Annual Nature House 5K Fund Run/Walk on Saturday, April 20. Pre-register or register the morning of the event beginning at 7:00 a.m. Enjoy the amazing Nature House facility, the place for environmental education in and around Reston! For more information, visit 10th Annual 5K Run.
Environmental Film: Cool It! on Friday, April 26, 7:00-9:00 p.m. at the Walker Nature Center, 11450 Glade Drive, Reston. Free ($5 suggested donation). Adults. Award-winning filmmaker Ondi Timoner travels the world with Bjorn Lomborg exploring the facts and science of global warming and its impact. Reservations requested by April 23. Please call 703-476-9689 or email naturecenter@reston.org.
Safety Seat Saturday is April 27 from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Specially trained and certified sheriff's deputies will help parents and caregivers ensure that a child fits securely in the safety seat and that the safety seat fits securely in the vehicle seat. Fairfax County Public Safety Center, Public Parking Garage, 10550 Page Avenue, Fairfax, VA.
The Junior League of Northern Virginia (JLNV) is hosting its fourth annual Children's Health Fair on Saturday, April 27, from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the Giant Food parking lot located at 8970 Burke Lake Road in Springfield, VA. The event will raise awareness and provide education about the importance of sound nutrition and regular physical activity to help address the childhood obesity epidemic. For more information, visit Spring Health Fair.
Springfest Fairfax: Free family fun on Saturday, April 27, 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the Workhouse Arts Center, 9601 Ox Road, Lorton, VA 22079. Springfest Fairfax includes pony rides, petting zoo, tree planting, farmer's market, arts & crafts, environmental workshops, music and games. For more information, go to www.springfestfairfax.org or call the Clean Fairfax Council at 703-324-5471, TTY 711.
Global Camps Africa: Empowering Children for an AIDS-Free Tomorrow hosts Celebrate Camp Sizanani 2013 on Saturday, April 27 at 6:00 p.m. at Oracle Headquarters, 1900 Oracle Way, Reston. Dinner and South African wine will be served. For tickets, sponsorships and more information, visit Celebrate Camp Sizanani 2013.
Northern Virginia Economic Forum will be held Wednesday, May 1, 8:00 a.m. at the Hilton Washington Dulles Airport, 13869 Park Center Road in Herndon. The forum is part of Blueprint Virginia: Preparing for a Brighter Future, a year-long initiative bringing together the state's regional leaders and industry experts to craft a strategy that will provide a road map for economic competitiveness for the Commonwealth. For more information and to register, go to Northern Virginia Economic Forum.
Connect a child to life at the 13th Annual Hopecam 5k Run/Walk, Sunday, May 5, 8:00 a.m. Starts and finishes at 1890 Preston White Drive in Reston. Every day 36 children in the U.S. are diagnosed with cancer. Among the first side-effects of treatment is isolation from their school, friends, and classmates. Hopecam re-connects these children to their lives using technology. Your contribution will change the life of a child with cancer or other life-threatening illnesses. For more information or to register, visit http://www.hopecam.org/.
The Annual Dream Makers Award Gala, hosted by the Martin Luther King, Jr. Cultural Foundation and honoring educators and community leaders for their commitment to community service, will be held on Thursday, May 9, at the Hilton McLean Tysons Corner, 7920 Jones Branch Road in McLean, VA. For more information about sponsorships and tickets, visit Dream Makers Award Gala .
On August 11 at 8:00 a.m. the YMCA Fairfax County Reston and Reston Association will be holding the third annual Reston Kid's Triathlon. The event is intended to be a fun opportunity for youngsters to stay active through the summer and learn about the fast growing sport of triathlon. In keeping with the missions of the sponsoring organizations, a number of the participants will be from families who might not be able to afford the entry fee and equipment for the event. Through individual and corporate sponsors their costs will be covered. All net proceeds from this event will be used for the Y and RA youth scholarship programs. For more information, visit www.restonkidstri.org.
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