Counterpoint: Licensed gunholders have right to protect selves, others
Shane Rainey
Some of us are living in denial, even in the wake of the Virginia Tech massacre.
Thankfully though, not everyone continues to live this way, as Texas Sens. Joe Driver and Jeff Wentworth are drafting legislation that would allow licensed students the privilege of carrying concealed firearms on campus, a measure that should have been passed a long time ago.
Concealed Handgun License holders have the right to protect themselves, and it doesn't make sense that a licensed handgun carrier, while a student or faculty member at a university, is denied this right in an atmosphere that has proven to be one of the most vulnerable.
People who are granted a license to carry a concealed weapon are at least 21 years of age, and 21 is old enough to be considered a mature adult. They have the experience and the mentality to know the consequences of their actions, including those involving a firearm.
That being said, I do believe there should be more in-depth training and background checks, as well as specialized testing and instruction relative to carrying in a university setting.
The police are not omnipresent, and we have seen them arrive too late at the scene of these shootings to save the lives of the students who are trapped inside with a killer.
The police are a mainly a reactionary force, and they are great at what they do. But there are not enough officers to be 100 percent proactive. It is citizens' responsibility and obligation to protect themselves, and to stand up for others if the need arises.
There are three types of people in the world. There are the sheep, who live in denial of any type of threat. There are the wolves, which prey on the sheep without any compassion or mercy. And then there are the sheepdogs, who recognize the threat and move to prepare for it.
The wolves will attack where they anticipate the least opposition, like a shooter targeting a college campus where no one is armed.
Gun control laws only affect law-abiding citizens, and more specifically, the sheepdog. Notebooks did not stop the massacre at Virginia Tech, but an armed defender amongst the students would have.
Let people be who they are. A college campus is a vulnerable place; so let those of us who realize it be prepared to take the appropriate measures.
Viewing Comments 1 - 6 of 11
Michael W. Loftin
posted 2/25/09 @ 6:23 PM CST
Shane, You are absolutely right ! WE THE PEOPLE are being "sheep herded" right off a clift.
Patricia
posted 2/25/09 @ 7:12 PM CST
There is a reason that no higher education professionals are behind this bill. It's a terrible idea. Arming young people in an already volatile environment is just asking for trouble, and as far as this serving as a preventative for episodes like the Virginia Tech tragedy? Far from it. (Continued…)
Liberty1
posted 2/25/09 @ 7:17 PM CST
The real issue is whether or not people will take responsibility for themselves. Or will they want a "bailout" from their responsibilites.
Ed
posted 2/25/09 @ 8:56 PM CST
Patricia, I disagree that allowing CHL holders the CHOICE to carry on campus is a terrible idea.
First, have you personally spoken to every higher education professional on your campus?
"Arming young people in an already volatile environment is just asking for trouble" The youths you mention are ALL at least 21. (Continued…)
Don
posted 2/26/09 @ 4:11 AM CST
Patricia, do you have any idea how helpless it feels to have no hope of survival, to know that you are going to die and nothing will save you? Many 21 year-old people are college seniors. (Continued…)
James Drover
posted 3/05/09 @ 1:26 PM CST
Even though I am Canadian (and a wannabe Texan) I am a big advocate of the right to bear arms however I can't support anything that would add more weapons to the already very volatile, hormonal, emotional turmoil our young people andure as they mature and try to find their place. (Continued…)
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