Another article discussing Texas’ effort for concealed carry on college campuses.
Though most college students are legally adults, they are still maturing and are often subject to stress that can lead to depression, substance abuse and other mental health issues, the statement says. Bringing guns into that environment could be dangerous.
The proposed law only extends to people with a concealed handgun license, which in Texas means you must be at least 21 years of age. Furthermore, these same people can carry when not on campus. Is there something about the invisible line of a campus boundary that changes things? If a person is having problems, they’re going to have them on both sides of that line. If they’re not having problems, they’re going to not have them on both sides of that line.
Shirley Reed, president of South Texas College, said she also opposes the legislation and believes security should be left to the professionals. Although concealed handgun licensees may know how to use a weapon, they are not versed in how to make the judgment of whether to fire it, she said.
Because they are professionals doesn’t mean much. I can’t carry a cop around with me all day every day. Even if I could, it’s been ruled time and time again they are under no obligation to actually provide any sort of security. Then even if they would, it doesn’t mean they are effective and capable. Furthermore, Ms. Reed states that a licensees are not versed on how to make the judgment of whether to fire a gun. If you are in fear of your life, you can fire it. If you are not, then you shouldn’t be firing it. But apparently I can’t make that judgment call…. and then I wonder, what else are we not capable of judging? Ms. Reed, if you don’t think we’re capable of that, what do you think we’re capable of? Just what do you think of us and our ability? Why do you think so little of the students that attend South Texas College? Are you that ineffective as an educator?
“I strongly believe in the right to bear arms,” [Rep. Veronica] Gonzales [D-McAllen] said. “But there’s a time and a place for it.”
Please tell me, Rep. Gonzales, what that time and place is. Furthermore, it sounds like you have the ability to see into the future and can predict when bad things are going to happen. I don’t have such an ability, so the best I can do is take a cue from my Boy Scout training and Be Prepared.
“A school should be a peaceful environment,” Gonzales said
Why does a school get some sort of special treatment and consideration? It is not holy ground (and this isn’t
Highlander).
Marcos Silva, the [UTPA] student body president, said students have told him that if they knew a classmate had a gun, they would be more likely to focus on that person than what a professor was saying.
Why? You’re college students. You’re supposed to be open-minded. You consider yourselves wonderful good people that don’t hate, that don’t carry around prejudices. So why this attitude?
Facts show folks issued a concealed handgun license tend to be amazingly law-abiding; in fact, they tend to be more law-abiding than the general populace. Why do you want to focus on a law-abiding citizen? Looking for a role model?
“If the law permits it for adults, with licenses … what is the problem?” said [Rep. Aaron] Peña, D-Edinburg. “We’re not dealing with children here. We’re dealing with adults.”
Apparently some think adults are only capable of exercising their own judgment in certain situations. In other situations in other places, they apparently need their mother or big brother to make their decisions for them.
Stuff From Hsoi 