(December 6, 1999) As reported in the Sun two weeks ago, a family was terrorized when three armed men forced their way into a home in suburban Howard County. Intruders forced a couple and child to the floor, searched the house and ultimately left with cash and jewelry, all at about 8:30 PM in Columbia.

Time for a pop quiz, kids: Over which players in this story do Maryland legislators seek strict more controls? Answer: The victims!

This family lives in a 100% pro-crime district: all elected officials representing them in DC or Annapolis are on record opposing private ownership of firearms that would give homeowners freedom to choose not to be a victim in home invasion. Congressman Ben Cardin and Senators Mikulski and Sarbanes represent them in Congress; in our General Assembly, the family is represented by Delegates Shane Pendergrass and Frank Turner, and Senator Marty Madden.

(In fact, as a member of the House Judiciary Committee, Delegate Turner stuck up for the right of a home invader to sue his victim if the homeowner injures him during the invader's crime!)

All of these legislators cast their votes in favor of getting tough on a homeowner who might want a firearm as part of her overall plan for family safety. Wouldn't constituents rather know what legislators do to get tough with thugs instead? Gun control only affects honest citizens who already obey the law. These pols make crime safe for thugs.

Howard County has had several recent killings that make some citizens afraid to leave their homes. So here's your bonus question, class: How many legislators above support Right to Carry? How many of them believe it should be the thugs, not honest taxpayers, who fear the streets? Yup, we knew you'd score 100% on that one. Each time you encounter a news report mentioning victims of crime, call to complain if the author fails to mention any legislator's pro-crime voting history for that locality. Make sure people get the whole story.