Monday, November 29, 2010

Some People Need to be Protected From Themselves!

I own a gun. Big Surprise, Right?!?

I'm also getting my concealed weapon license. No Shock there.

I believe that once I do that, I should have the right to carry that weapon on campus to protect myself in the event that some crazy person decides to pull a Virginia Tech.

Currently, this is quite the debate on campus.

Basically, the campus police and the hippies are on the anti-carry side. Their arguement is that kids aren't responsible enough to carry guns, and that there would be more gun related incidents, and that it would be more dangerous on campus, as well make it harder for the police to find and take care of the shooters if a dangerous gunman does show up on campus. The hippies also threw in the "we should be focusing on peace, not violence" and "knowledge trumps violence".

Last time I checked, a book will not stop a bullet. Quoting Shakespeare will not keep a gunman from shooting you.

So, here is my take on this whole situation...

All Utah Colleges, as well as Colorado State University, have been concealed carry campuses since 2003. And guess what? Statistics don't lie...
*There have been ZERO incidents involving a gun, concealed or otherwise, at any of these campuses.
*Crime rates of all kinds have dropped significantly
*Students report feeling safer and more protected

No one is running around showing off their guns. No one even knows who is carrying (Thus the concealed carry). And as far as kids running around with guns - Nope. You have to be 21 to even apply for a CCL (Concealed Carry License), and then you have to go through a rigourous training course and a complete background check. Not just anyone can get a CCL. And it comes with rules - like no carrying a weapon while drinking or in an establishment that the majority of their business comes from alcohol sales (ie bars, pool halls, etc.). Finally, guns would NOT be allowed to be kept in residence halls. Period.

There are 3 cops on duty at all times. However, if there is a shooter on campus, 2 cops have to be there to even go in. This can take a lot of time, up to 15 minutes. An AK-47, depending on the modifications, can shoot up to 30 rounds per second. So, simple math says that 15 minutes waiting on police response times 30 rounds per second = 27,000 potential bullets shot from 1 weapon before the police show up. Call me crazy, but I'd rather not be sitting around waiting for the police and hoping that one of those many bullets doesn't hit me. I'm not trying to be a hero, but I think I deserve the chance to protect myself.
Honestly, if you look at the police response to the last 3 school shootings, it has been less than impressive. Ask yourself, how many victims is too many? And how many less would there have been if someone besides just the shooter had a gun? It's easy to shoot at a bunch of unarmed kids hiding behind desks and chairs. Knowing that someone else could shoot back is an entirely different ballgame.

All I'm saying is that I deserve the right to defend myself, after proving that I am competent enough to have a CCL. Who can't agree with that?

I would hope my school would.

1 comment:

  1. I agree with your stance...we should all have the right to feel safe and protected!

    ReplyDelete