Letter: Protesting for the right to carry concealed weapons
Letter to the Editor
Thursday, October 18; 10:03 PM
Many of us look back on tragedies and wonder how they could have been prevented.
While no one can change the outcomes of past events, everyone should have the opportunity to prepare for future circumstances.
Self-defense is a right and a natural instinct of human beings, and advanced training can enhance one's ability greatly. However, in some situations weapons can become the last resort and only way to protect one's life, and police certainly cannot be everywhere all the time.
While controversial, carrying a handgun for personal protection is a right that many are trained for and comfortable with, and many want to exercise that right. However, students and faculty are arguably the most deprived of this right, as even public institutions are allowed to establish policies that restrict them from carrying, even with their state-issued concealed handgun permits.
During the week of Oct. 22 to 26, some Virginia Tech students and faculty members will peacefully protest these policies, along with others from across the nation. Participants will wear empty gun holsters, with neither weapons nor anything resembling a weapon, and will go about their days normally. The idea of this passive protest is to help you imagine your colleagues carrying weapons on a daily basis, and for you to see that this does not change their behavior nor does it change who they are. As well, participants will show their stances on the issue to administrators, faculty, students and any onlookers.
If you are concerned with how carrying weapons works, please read on. First, the state of Virginia grants permits to only those age 21 and older. The permit granted is a concealed handgun permit (CHP) and is only obtained after taking an educational course, passing a written test, passing extensive background checks and participating in hands-on training for the use of a firearm as a self-protection device. Next, this permit is for carrying concealed. Keeping a weapon out of sight keeps it from distracting others, but it also prevents potential attackers from identifying those who may stop them.
Third, it is illegal to carry when intoxicated, which many are concerned about on a campus where alcohol is prevalent. Finally, many advocates of this are willing to listen and debate the concerns of others, so please be respectful whatever your view may be. If you want more information about how to join in the protest, you can visit www.ConcealedCampus.com, check out the Facebook event "Students for Concealed Carry on Campus Empty Holster Protest," or ask a participant.
If you want to get involved in the debate, please check out Facebook groups, www.100ideasva.com, or come to the presentation on Monday, Oct. 29 at 7p.m. in Litton Reaves 1670. Also, feel free to engage your colleagues in discourse, but please do not verbally attack participants — they may save your life some day.
Ken Stanton,
graduate student, engineering education
Posted by: Nikki at Feb 28
As a College Student, I agree wholeheartedly with this post. People need to be aware of the situations on college campuses. Many people aren't aware that many campuses do not get a goos response from their local police - in fact, in my home state a young man died after being beaten to death just because the police didn't respond as quickly as they should have to the emergency call, just because the relationship between the town and the students at that college was ruined by a few drunk students. This is true all over the United States - luckily my college has a great relationship not only with our town police, but with the state police as well.
But other's aren't so lucky. Students should be guaranteed the same protection as other citizens are off campus, because the people responsible for protecting these students might get there too late. When your life is in danger, YOU are the ONLY person who will truly fight to keep it. Here is a story I'd like everybody to read: http://www.kltv.com/Global/story.asp?S=7886169
Being a woman, there's more than a school campus shooting that scares me. My campus is currently investigating a rape accusation. No girl should ever go through that - we shouldn't have to. I'm 5ft, 120lbs... how am I expected to fight back against an intruder who could be 6 foot 200lbs? There have been many instances where a firearm is what stood between a rapist and a potential victim. http://www.gunowners.org/wv26.htm
Flag Abuse
Posted by: Megan at 11/01/07
Ken- It seems only natural to become angered when I see something that offends me or I disagree with. You obviously feel differently and we will likely never come to agree, which is fine. However, please do not jump to hasty conclusions and make generalized statements about my personal well being, because if I may paraphrase your words, this made me lose a bit of respect for you and your mission. I do appologize because you have every right to voice your opinion so I should not have been quite as irationally crude about that, but the idea of using gun holsters to aid a cause I disagree with disturbed me to an atypical reaction. We are both entitled to our opinions and obviously have substantial reasons for having them, but it seems a waste of time to continue to argue and relay opinions online when we could be channeling our negative energy into positive action.
Flag Abuse
Posted by: Jason T at 10/30/07
Suzanne, point taken, though you must admit it is hard to argue logical fallacy in the absence of definitive statistics. It's your opinion, not a fact, that we need to keep guns out, much as it is my opinion that allowing guns will not result in heightened violence or any change in the learning environment and thus we should err on the side of personal freedom. The point you keep making centers on imposing restrictions. The problem is that these restrictions are unenforceable without imposing a secured perimeter and weapons checks (both of which would grind the campus to a halt), so it is left to the individual to take responsibility to abide by the regulations. Will this always be good enough? We can only hope. The unfortunate truth is that an ideal solution - a campus where nobody would ever wish harm on anyone else and so no guns are ever necessary for defensive purposes - will not always align with reality.
Flag Abuse
Posted by: Ken at 10/30/07
Great points Mike. That is honestly what I fear - the person who is intent. And if I never have to draw my weapon in my life, I will never complain. Suzanne, this is where you and I differ, and again, I respect your viewpoint. But I feel it is flawed wording that makes it sound like flawed logic. NO criminal will ever respect rules - isn't that why they are criminals?? Also, its not like anyone wants to put guns in a classroom like fire extinguishers for anyone to grab - only those with permits would have the right. And like Jason said, these are so few people, in a class of 100, only 2 or 3 are likely to carry, assuming we are talking about a classroom of students over 21. Personally, it would comfort me to know someone could stop an attacker, but perhaps thats because I've learned to handle a weapon and know so many respectful owners. I go about my day every day (when not on campus) carrying and no one around me knows. I don't care to show off, act powerful, or get recognition for it, so everyone around me just treats me the same as before I carried. The only difference now is that I am more aware, more courteous, and more responsible than ever before. Ask my girlfriend who respects this 100% :)
Flag Abuse
Posted by: Mike at 10/29/07
Suzanne, I would argue that the real issue is keeping bad people out. The restrictions on gun USE are fairly absolute - only when there's an immediate threat to life or limb. I do agree with you that a more vigilant system might have helped, but unfortunately there is little that can be done to stop a killer who is prepared to die in the commission of his act. Sadly, such a driven person will stop at nothing to carry out their awful plan. And we can't lock up every disturbed person out there because of what they *might* do. I would argue that a positive way to prevent another 4-16 would be for the media to realize how these nut cases use them to become famous, and how this "inspires" copycats. The VT shooter was inspired by Columbine, which was inspired by.... Stop treating these killers like "victims" and stop repeating their names. Don't show their face on TV. Don't give them what they want, and hopefully some other malcontent won't decide to get famous.
Flag Abuse
Posted by: Suzanne at 10/29/07
It's flawed logic to assume that putting more guns in a classroom will save lives, when the real issue is that we need to keep guns out. Placing tighter restrictions on gun use, in my opinion, is the real answer to ending violence in the classroom. Had the system been more vigilent and more restrictive, I believe that a mentally unstable man would not have been able to do the damage he did.
Flag Abuse
Posted by: Ken at 10/29/07
Megan - thanks for sharing the website. I took a look at it, and it appears is propaganda, so be careful what you say. In fact, it masks something saddening (taking away constitutional rights) with something valiant (better background checks). Further, I too lost a best friend on 4/16 (Jeremy Herbstritt), but don't blame the gun. I blame the person who used it, and the system that didn't help him and didn't keep him from becoming a legal buyer. I lost a best friend to a DWI accident many years ago, but I don't blame the car. Nor do I blame the alcohol. Its the person who drank the alcohol and drove the car. I encourage you to stand with your opinion, but when you use anger to do it, you lose all respect for yourself and your mission. On that note, your words show me that you have a lot of anger still from the events of April, and maybe you should consider talking to someone. Not an attack on you, just concerned.
Flag Abuse
Posted by: Mike M. at 10/29/07
For more information as to why concealed carry proponents feel the way they do, please visit http://www.nrapublications.org/armed%20citizen/Index.asp
Flag Abuse
Posted by: Jason T at 10/29/07
Please identify the logical flaw, Suzanne. If you don't agree with my premises, that doesn't mean I've used flawed logic. A logical flaw is when faulty conclusions are drawn from the stated premises. If you don't like my assumptions, then you believe I have faulty premises, not faulty logic. The two are worlds apart.
Flag Abuse
Posted by: Suzanne at 10/29/07
Flawed logic.
Flag Abuse
Posted by: Jason T at 10/29/07
In all likelihood, we'll never witness another such shooting on campus, regardless of whether the policy stands or falls. As with most issues, the optimal answer probably lies somewhere between the extremes. The gun ban is irrational because people not affiliated with VT who have permits are perfectly within their rights to carry concealed weapons on campus anyway, and because people who intend to use guns offensively do not usually file paperwork and abide by the law. On the other hand, I can understand that if you're already against guns, and if self-defense using lethal force is necessary on campus only once in a blue moon, arming the campus seems like a bit of an overreaction to you. I happen to think that there is no harm in allowing the very small applicable percentage of the VT community carry concealed weapons, and until I see appropriate statistics that suggest it is a bad idea, that is where my decision rests.
Flag Abuse
Posted by: Megan Meadows at 10/29/07
This argument is illogical propaganda and I regret that this letter was even published. Students and professors should not be allowed to have weapons on campus, in any shape or form. I lost one of my best friends April 16th and reading this made me sick to my stomach. I cannot believe you would have the audacity to write about how concealed weapons should be allowed, when without weapons last spring would not have happened. How could you even say that it might possibly have been prevented, when a hysterical person with a concealed weapon may have caused even more harm. Two guns do not make a right, and I am personally offended by your last remark. I must say that I am actually glad that you wrote this letter, because you have angered me to the point of starting a protest against it. www.protesteasyguns.com
Flag Abuse
Posted by: Suzanne at 10/27/07
I'm of the opinion that at this point, I've said all I can say. We'll have to agree to disagree and fight our own battles. It's my understanding, having talked with some of my professors and other members of the community, that the concealed carry effort at Virginia Tech is a bit of a waste of time. So, in that sense, I'm not all that worried about it.
Flag Abuse
Posted by: Jason T at 10/27/07
Suzanne, perhaps it will comfort you to know that only 3,826 people (out of about 165,000 - that's about 2.3%)residing in the New River Valley have permits to carry concealed weapons. Credit that stat to the discussion thread in the "Letter: Manipulation to further personal agenda" column. The Roanoke Times ran an article on obtaining public records, and this is the number of people they found to have permits in the NRV area.
Flag Abuse
Posted by: Ken at 10/26/07
Hey Hokie - good question :) Virginia is an 'open carry state,' meaning that anyone (not otherwise restricted from carrying) over the age of 18 may openly carry a weapon. Open carry is generally defined as completely visible and identifiable by a common person. There are a few reasons for concealing, as I touched on in my article above. One major one is to not raise alert or concern of people who are not comfortable with the sight of a weapon - so, consider it a courtesy. This applies mostly in times of peace. In times of danger, the concealment of a weapon prevents an attacker from identifying someone who is armed. Therefore, it can be strategic (defend at the right time), self-preserving (keep from becoming a target - a bank robber wouldn't want an armed person to be present), or to prevent the weapon from falling into the wrong hands (if an attacker can't see it, they are unlikely to be able to take it from a person in a physical confrontation). I think those are the general reasons - anyone else have any others?
Flag Abuse
Posted by: Hokie169 at 10/26/07
Please note that I am not supporting either side with this comment. It is merely a question. Is it legal to carry the weapon out in the open (excluding campus)? If so, why do you want to conceal it? I would think that by showing it you may ward off potential predators as well.
Flag Abuse
Posted by: Jason T at 10/25/07
As a mathematician, I recognize that a single example is a far cry from proof, but even so, you might be interested to read http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Appalachian_School_of_Law_shooting Bear in mind that on VT's campus, running to your car is likely a marathon, not a sprint.
Flag Abuse
Posted by: Jason T at 10/25/07
Suzanne, you are correct. My entire point is that you are arguing against campus carry merely because you are against concealed carry in any form. VT policy contradicts current VA law. What I'd like to see is an argument explaining why the same people who carry guns in other public places shouldn't be allowed to carry them on campus, i.e., why VT policy should trump VA law. Your friend is also mostly correct about the deadly weapon statement, although you have to admit that guns serve a recreational purpose as well. Additionally, let's say I accept the idealism you mention that there is no need for a citizen in this country to carry a weapon. You must admit that, practically speaking, this is not so (although you may not be compelled to carry, others certainly are justified in doing so). There are some dangerous people with dangerous intentions, and there are people who believe that they must carry in order to be responsible for their own safety. 99.99% of the time, the gun is not used as a deadly weapon; it is an inert object, much like a life jacket, which does nothing until you're tossed into the sea. A concealed weapon does nothing until you produce it, which rarely happens. But without any way of ensuring that there are actually no people that are illegally carrying weapons on VT's campus or otherwise intending to do harm to others, safety is, at times, an illusion. Some people would like the opportunity to provide for their personal safety by carrying a concealed weapon. I understand that VT's campus is overall a very safe place, but I'm suggesting that it would not be made any less so if a small fraction of those on campus were allowed to carry weapons. Instead of the warzone you depict, you'd probably be hard-pressed to notice any difference at all. Also, I'm not avoiding addressing you directly. I am speaking at large about arguments I have read on this topic on various other websites.
Flag Abuse
Posted by: Suzanne at 10/24/07
Jason, so let me get this straight: You say that my arguments are not unique to the college campus setting (which doesn't really do a whole lot for you in terms of refuting my concerns anyway), yet you then argue that concealed carry on the streets is no different from concealed carry on the college campus. I agree with you. I'm not for concealed carry in any capacity, but especially not in a learning environment. And by the way, you can address me directly, because I seem to be the only one voicing my opinions on this side of the fence. On a different note, when you think in a broader sense about this topic, I'd like to point out what a friend of mine said to me: a gun is a deadly weapon that has no purpose other than to be a deadly weapon. You can say that someone who wants to hurt another person is going to find another way to do it, and you'll be right, just as you'll be right if you say that not everybody who likes guns is kept from being a murderer only by lack of access to a firearm. But the fact remains that there's no rational excuse for a civilian citizen of a first-world country to need a deadly weapon that has no purpose other than to be a deadly weapon.
Flag Abuse
Posted by: Ken at 10/24/07
To that Jason, I think you may have stumbled upon an oxymoron of sorts. How can one make an argument that is unique to campus, if we are arguing that campus is no different than anywhere else? I do think there are differences, just like bars, courthouses, and the like are, and dorms are an example of such. So I think issues can overlap. By the way, Monday's event speaker is Philip Van Cleave, President of VCDL (www.vcdl.org) and we will have about 30 minutes of Q&A following his commentary.
Flag Abuse
Posted by: Jason T at 10/23/07
It's apparent that the people opposed to this are not presenting arguments unique to the college campus situation; instead, they are just people who don't agree with concealed carry anywhere, and so anytime regulations are in danger of being relaxed, they'll protest. Think about this: when you shop in Kroger, walk down Main Street, etc., you're among many people who spend their days on campus, but you're now off campus, and concealed carry probably happens all around you. You're trusting people every day without knowing it, and that is the point. It's not such a "leap" to extend the regulated concealed carry idea to campus. Sure there is alcohol on campus, but there is alcohol downtown as well. Concealed carry laws prohibit carrying a weapon while under the influence and carrying into any establishment that serves alcohol. Again, it's about responsibility.
Flag Abuse
Posted by: Ken at 10/23/07
Suzanne, I have a lot of respect for you and the way you pose your opinion. Can I ask you to consider coming to the speaker on Monday the 29th? The info is in the article above, last paragraph. I think it would be great to have people like yourself there who are on the other side and bring respectful, educated concerns to the table. One thing I do want to say about your response is to remember that permits are only issued to citizens 21 and older - I think maturity is very important and that age requirement is a good thing. Keep the comments coming, and look for a follow-up opinion article coming tomorrow (Wed)!
Flag Abuse
Posted by: Suzanne at 10/23/07
The difference between allowing law enforcement officers to carry guns and allowing you to carry them is that you haven't had the same training. There's a reason why they send officers to Police Academies. However, some guy in my class who feels the need to "protect" himself by carrying a gun on him is not going to have the same background. Trust is subjective, and there are always exceptions, but yes, I have more trust in a member of a government-run organization than some 18 year old who received a handgun last christmas.
I am not naive enough to believe that if we banned guns in America, there would not be some deviance from the law. Of course evil exists. If we put a ban on guns, there would still be a percentage of people smuggling them in, but why make it easier for them? Passing laws against marijuana certainly has not stopped use altogether, but it has certainly reduced the number of users. If you take a look at some of the research done on countries like Japan who have strict regulations (not an altogether ban, the only type of gun allowed is a shotgun, I believe) on guns, you'd notice that gun possession and gun crimes are almost nonexistent. Gun crime does exist, but in very low numbers (the most recent number I could find was 30 crimes committed by shotgun in 1989, for the entire country of Japan).
I don't mean to offend anyone, but the idea of concealed carry on a college campus is absolutely absurd to me, and I would consider it a great leap in the wrong direction.
Flag Abuse
Posted by: Jason T at 10/23/07
Those of you against this, you feel safe because guns aren't ALLOWED on VT campus. But it's a regulation that is passively enforced. If you report that someone is carrying, they may get caught. But the point of concealed carry is that you're not supposed to know, so if anyone were carrying now, and chances are some do break the rule, whether permitholders or not, you'd never know. The way I look at it, there are only 2 ways to "ensure" safety: 1. metal detectors and checkpoints at every campus entrance, or 2. concealed carry for law-abiding citizens. How safe did everyone feel on that gun free campus last April? Think about it: such a small portion of VT students are even eligible for a permit by age considerations alone. Again, it's a rare situation, but just as rare are these "bullets flying because someone doesn't like the look someone else just gave them" scenarios.
Flag Abuse
Posted by: Jonathan McGlumphy at 10/23/07
Suzanne, you say you do not trust in anyone to use a lethal weapon properly in any circumstance. Does that distrust also apply to law enforcement officers? Do they also not need guns? If that's true, then by all means, let's round up every gun in America (including all those held by law enforcement) and violent crime will suddenly disappear. Of course, that isn't really what will happen. We live in a culture that glorifies violence on a daily basis. I hope that we can move beyond that. However, there will always be evildoers in the world who have no regard for the rules. I trust those who are willing to play by the rules (i.e. licensed armed citizens) MUCH more than the criminals who do not. Also remember that the police cannot be everywhere at once. Your safety is your responsibility, and the same goes for me and everyone else.
Flag Abuse
Posted by: Ken at 10/23/07
Suzanne - thanks for revising your comment. I know how you feel. It took me a couple of years to get comfortable with this, too. And trust is huge. But think of driving for a minute. Not that it makes it right, but think of how dangerous driving is, how many people die from accidents daily, and then how careless we are - making calls, reading, eating, etc. Further, the gun crimes committed by permit holders are minuscule, less than 1% if I remember correctly. As well, you are arguing the overall issue of the permit, not specifically the issue of possession on campuses - that certainly is not to attack your point, but to make sure we remember the specific issue being debated here. Keep the great comments coming, and if you see me on campus, stop me!
Flag Abuse
Posted by: Suzanne at 10/22/07
I'm sorry, but I don't have enough trust in anyone, regardless of whether they obtained their gun legally or not, to use a lethal weapon properly, or appropriately, in any circumstance. Your logic here is backwards. I know there are people out there who love their guns, for whatever reason, and that they probably bought them legally. However, I don't see why anyone needs one. Almost any indiot can buy a gun in this country and had the system been more restrictive, I believe lives could have been saved.
Flag Abuse
Posted by: Suzanne at 10/22/07
Ok, I meant to say "more bullets flying through the air".
Flag Abuse
Posted by: Kyle Minor at 10/22/07
Well, legally purchased guns, I contend, WOULD help things (or at the very least, would not hurt). Think about it this way. If the government were to ban, say, ice cream, perhaps you, as a law-abiding citizen, would refrain from eating ice cream. The fact that you obey the roles, however, does not have an impact on anyone else's ice cream consumption; it just means that you won't eat ice cream. Similarly, banning guns doesn't do anything more than take guns away from people who would have gone through the legal means to obtain them in the first place. In no way does it hamper the ability of would-be criminals to obtain guns -after all, they're going to break the law anyway! Really, limiting concealed carry only jeopardizes those who pledge to live by the rules, because it ensures to those who might commit violent crime that little or no resistance will be present when they go to commit their misdeed.
Flag Abuse
Posted by: Suzanne at 10/22/07
Yes...because more guns flying through the air is going to help things.
Flag Abuse
Posted by: Ken (author) at 10/22/07
Hey everyone - thanks for your comments. I hope you are participating! As with anything nowadays, pay no regard to ignorant people. Those who make valid points and engage in discussion will be heard, others just want a sounding board to complain and vent. I hope to see all of you at the meeting/speaker next week, and thank you for correcting the website! (I'm not sure where that got mixed up!)
Flag Abuse
Posted by: Jason T at 10/21/07
Steve, please elaborate. Sorry to bore you so much, but for those of us who find the topic relevant, enlighten us as to why carrying on campus shouldn't happen.
Flag Abuse
Posted by: steve at 10/19/07
*Yawn* This has only been posted in the CT about 500 times since I've been at VT (six years).
It's not going to happen and frankly it shouldn't.
Flag Abuse
Posted by: LK at 10/19/07
Certain people don't seem to understand the paradox: Students who carry guns illegally, as Cho was, do stuff like this. Students who don't carry guns illegally -- because they are good people and follow the law -- are left defenseless. The current laws did not stop Cho, so clearly gun restrictions don't stop criminals (many other instances of this). So why would we continue to discriminate against college students (most of whom are ADULTS, not children or second class citizens) who might want to protect themselves-- if the criminals are going to carry them, and abuse them, no matter what.
Flag Abuse
Posted by: bob at 10/19/07
I don’t think everyone out to get me, but I do believe there is evil in the world and that means some people will hurt other for there own benefit. The sad fact is we as a society are not any better than other animals on this planet in that we do prey on each other. What that means is you are responsible for your won survival.
I know that there are many complete strangers carrying a concealed weapons these include 2 groups of people one being police (undercover or off-duty) and average citizens who have passed training and backgrounds check and are licensed by their state to do so. I have not one problem with them having a handgun. The 2 nd group are the criminal that carry concealed weapons illegal for robbing, hurting, killing and raping others. I know the odds are I will never need to use my concealed pistol anywhere but if I am licensed to do so off campus and I feel safer because of it why should it bother you if I do on campus. I doubt you have ever been hurt or inconvenienced by some one with a concealed pistol license.
Flag Abuse
Posted by: Kyle Minor at 10/19/07
Here's the problem. People who apply for and receive concealed carry permits are of necessity, law-abiding citizens. Concealed carry permits protect individuals from the threats proposed by NON-law abiding citizens (ie, the sort who obtain weapons illegally, despite the best efforts of the government). What strikes me as odd is how people like Tom seem to indicate that the only reason to have a concealed carry permit is so that you can blast away your friends at will. The self-defense argument is actually one of intellectual legitimacy, highlighted in no more apparent terms than the tragedy last April.
Flag Abuse
Posted by: Tom at 10/19/07
"I never see city or campus police at those hours (and rarely during regular work day) and would feel safer when going to lab or while in lab if I could have my handgun on me"
So you would trust a complete stranger to carry a concealed weapon, but you wouldn't trust them not to attack you while you're going to lab? The "everyone is out to get me, I need a gun to defend myself" argument is stupid, because the premise is faulty.
Flag Abuse
Posted by: Chris at 10/19/07
I wonder Michael, if you feel the same way about police officers. Would you be very offended by the presence of armed officers in the academic buildings. College students are adults, capable of making adult decisions, and taking care of themselves. Why should they be forced to rely on others for their well being. Since students with concealed carry permits can and do carry legally off campus without incident, they should be able to carry on campus as well without fear of expulsion.
Flag Abuse
Posted by: Jason T at 10/19/07
Great comment, Michael. You do the antigun cause a great service with your remarks. I think we can agree that probably the person closest to fitting your description, though I'll refrain from the namecalling, is Cho. Do you really think that he would have gone through the trouble to get a concealed carry permit? Even if he did, would the result have been different? Not if nobody else was carrying. Most of those with permits view using a gun as like a pilot using an ejector seat; you hope you never have to use it, but if you do, you're glad you have it.
Flag Abuse
Posted by: Dan at 10/19/07
It's very simple. There is an individual natural right to self-defense. It follows that having a tool for defense on your person is necessary in order to exercise that right. Those who prohibit the means to exercise a right deny the right.
So-called "gun-free zones" are really risk-free zones to a violent criminal. It is time to recognize the folly and irrationality of forcing law-abiding people who are properly trained, vetted, and licensed to disarm just because they are entering certain areas or buildings. Law-abiding people simply DO NOT undergo changes to their character, judgment, or ability to effectively defend themselves just by, for example, stepping across the threshold of a classroom door.
Flag Abuse
Posted by: John at 10/19/07
I firmly believe that if students were permitted to carry their legally owned guns when they are on campus, provided they are also legally licensed to do so, that the large shootings that seem to happen on "gun-free" campuses could either be avoided, or at least reduced in the numbers of victims. Like it or not, but gun ownership acts as a deterrant to criminals and people wishing to do harm to others. It works. My idea for how something similar could be accomplished, perhaps without having students carrying, would be to have faculty and staff allowed to carry, again provided they are licensed to do so. They would have to take additional safety classes to be certified to carry by their respective schools, and only those who wanted to would have to. Just knowing that potentially any teacher, professor, or employee might be armed and could stop a mass-shooitng before it got to be as bad as previous ones I think would help people to think twice before they attempted another one. And at the very least, then the people in the line of fire would actually have half a chance to defend themselves.
Flag Abuse
Posted by: Brian at 10/19/07
URL for Students for Concealed Carry on Campus is
http://www.concealedcampus.org/
Flag Abuse
Posted by: Bob at 10/19/07
As a fellow graduate student I agree fully. I work late and random hours including middle of the night. I never see city or campus police at those hours (and rarely during regular work day) and would feel safer when going to lab or while in lab if I could have my handgun on me since security is just a lock door that is often propped open.
If you don’t want to carry a handgun then please don’t. Also don’t worry you will never know I have a handgun on me. If your in state that allows concealed carry of a handgun than more than likely you have passed some one in a mall that had gun legal on them and never knew it. While campus you likely have passed some one on campus with a concealed gun also but that was criminal. If you are serious about safety, training, following the law and feel comfortable about use a firearm to save your life than get a concealed pistol license (CPL) and if not don’t sacrifice my safety for your irrational fears. (note studies have shown CPL holder are among the most law-abiding citizens in that state on average)
Flag Abuse
Posted by: Chip at 10/19/07
I enjoyed the letter and look forward to watching the inevitable s**t storm it and the protest will bring from the sidelines. Good luck with this effort.
Flag Abuse
