1.  Christian Trejbal of the Roanoke Times published the database of every Virginia resident who holds a state-issued permit to carry a concealed handgun on the newspaper's website to accompany a column he wrote for the Sunday paper.  For what reasons does he say people might want to know this information?

2.  a) Why are people with permits to carry concealed weapons upset? 
b) For what specific reasons does the president of the Virginia Citizens Defense League (VCDL) say the newspaper was wrong to post this information?

3.  What is the VCDL doing to express their opposition to the Times' decision to publish the information?

4.  In his column, Mr. Trejbal wrote, "A state that eagerly puts sex offender data online complete with an interactive map could easily do the same with gun permits, but it does not."  Do you think Mr. Trejbal is comparing convicted sex offenders with legal, law-abiding gun owners? Explain your answer.

5.  What does VCDL president Philip Van Cleave say proves that the people who carry concealed carry permits are law-abiding citizens?

6.  Before publishing public information what should journalists consider, according to Howard Finberg of the Poynter Institute?

7.  What does Fred Brown of the Society of Professional Journalists say should have happened in the newsroom before making the decision to publish the list?

8. a) Does your state allow residents to obtain concealed carry permits?  Do you think they should?  Why or why not? 
b) The names and addresses of people with concealed carry permits is available to the public under the freedom of information act.  Should the Roanoke Times have published the names and addresses of the handgun owners?  Explain your answer.

9.  OPTIONAL:  Send an email to Debbie Meade, president and publisher of the Roanoke Times at debbie.meade@roanoke to express your support for, or opposition to, the Times' decision to publish the list.  Be clear, concise and polite.  You should never be rude if you disagree with an opinion or decision.  Stating your opinion politely and logically is the only way to be taken seriously.  Note the polite way most people who disagreed with Mr. Trejbal expressed their opinion on the Roanoke Times' website. (Link below)