Va. Bill of Rights: Article 1, Section 13:   That a well regulated militia, composed of the body of the people, trained to arms, is the proper, natural, and safe defense of a free state, therefore, the right of the people to keep and bear arms shall not be infringed; that standing armies, in time of peace, should be avoided as dangerous to liberty; and that in all cases the military should be under strict subordination to, and governed by, the civil power.

U.S. Constitution Second Amendment (in part):    The right of the people to keep and bear arms shall not be infringed.

It is impossible for the government to protect all citizens at all times and in all places. The right of citizens to protect themselves and each other is vital if our society is to be safe. As a retired police officer, I can attest to the fact that the police cannot protect everyone and cannot be in all places. Good citizens are as important to the safety of the community as any police or military force and they should not be disarmed.