In exchange, Virginia State Police officers will be available at gun shows to perform voluntary (yes, voluntary) background checks on people buying weapons. Those under legal orders for such things as domestic violence will be required to hand over their weapons to authorities.

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And that is about it.

It is small wonder that Andy Parker, father of WDBJ-TV reporter Alison Parker, who was shot to death on live television last year, is livid about the new deal.

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He issued this statement: “Gov. McAuliffe should not be willing to recognize concealed carry permits from states where you can get a permit with no safety training, or even if you have a violent criminal record or a stalking conviction — all in exchange for the NRA’s support of watered-down gun safety bills.”

Herring’s bold move was rare example of anyone in authority in Virginia doing anything substantive about improving controls on firearms, especially handguns. Don’t forget, this is the state where a mentally disturbed student went on a horrific shooting rampage at Virginia Tech several years ago.

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But true to Virginia’s pro-business-as-usual ways, these gun show checks are “voluntary” with a fig leaf of protecting constitutional rights.

So much is voluntary in Virginia. Typically, it’s a sop to business interests.

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Until the scandal surrounding former governor Robert F. McDonnell (R), politicians could accept anything from a lobbyist as long as it was reported.

When it comes to renewable energy, the Virginia General Assembly opted in favor of powerful utilities such as Dominion Virginia Power. They made renewable portfolio standards for having some future electricity generation come from renewable energy sources such as solar or wind voluntary.

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The result? Virginia is far behind neighboring states Maryland and North Carolina in renewable energy.

The point, you see, is to not upset businesses, whether it involves lobbyists, utilities or gun makers and their advocates. Why make them mad? Make it so you don’t have to do it if you don’t feel like it.

We want to protect the rights of anyone to tote a gun. We don’t care about the rights of the victims or families whose lives are forever changed by gun violence.