Five years after Tech, still waiting for gun reform.

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BLACKSBURG, Va. --
Can the death of one unarmed teenager in Florida help achieve what the killings of 32 people at Virginia Tech did not?
Colin Goddard, a survivor of four gunshots during the Virginia Tech massacre, apparently believes so. He is in Washington with 31 other victims of gun violence to challenge Congress to keep guns out of the hands of dangerous people.

On the fifth anniversary of the Virginia Tech slayings, this group's suffering and resolve should represent a powerful — and effective — symbolism.

Unfortunately, the National Rifle Association's dominion has hardened the hearts and weakened the knees of lawmakers. Its influence has long surpassed that of citizens, activists and even law enforcement officials

But faster than you can say "We are Virginia Tech," America and the gun lobby returned to business as usual. Gun rights supporters rallied at the state Capitol Bell Tower, many packing arms, in what has become an annual January ritual. An unsympathetic segment of the public told Tech victims to move on.

By 2010, Virginia passed a law to allow patrons with permits to carry concealed guns into alcohol-serving restaurants. This year, Virginia repealed its 20-year-old law limiting the purchase of handguns to one per month — a restriction that had been enacted to slow the trafficking of Virginia guns to New York crime scenes.

Meanwhile — beginning with Florida's NRA-drafted law in 2005 — states gave concealed-permit holders greater license to use their weapons outside their homes when they felt threatened. Twenty-five states passed such laws, called "shoot first" or "stand your ground," depending on your perspective.

Unfortunately, emotional appeals and grass-roots protests don't carry the weight of NRA money and influence. Until there's a change in this political culture, there will be more heartbreak.

http://www2.timesdispatch.com/news/c...ec-ar-1847196/