Concealed carry thwarts educational goals
Nha Huyng, Staff Writer
Debating the right to bear arms is similar to opening a can of worms. It is a complicated issue that most people do not want to touch on. Instead, let us narrow the scope and focus on whether TU students should be allowed to carry concealed firearms on campus.
First, let us look at the historical background of the Second Amendment. From what was taught in history class, the amendment’s original and foremost intention was very much political.
It was not meant for people to defend themselves, but to establish a universal militia to put down slave rebellions or repel an invasion when the army is overwhelmed.
However, the right to bear arms gradually deviated from the original intention as it was manipulated by different interest groups and misinterpreted to the uninformed public.
The Second Amendment was not meant to serve the interest of the individual, much less college students who have no business and no use for firearms. More guns do not equal fewer campus shootings.
Some proponents are quick to say that strict regulation and a required license will solve the problem.
It will not. In reality, most people do not do the responsible thing.
Chances are, if students are allowed to carry concealed firearms, they will not take the time and effort to train themselves and would cause damage to themselves and others.
Also, college students are susceptible to mental illness. Most disorders emerge when people are in their twenties since it is the time when loneliness, disillusion, financial difficulty and overwhelming responsibility are compounded.
The bottom line is, within a given population in this age group, some people are predisposed to psychological and emotional instability.
If guns were accessible on campus, the likelihood of suicide and homicide by guns would increase.
If anything, the shooting at Virginia Tech should be a horrifying reminder
of the destruction some disturbed individuals with guns are capable of causing.
We go to school to pursue higher education. It is the institution’s responsibility to do whatever it can to protect its inhabitants and to provide a safe environment.
Campus violence is a vital issue, but allowing students to arm themselves only worsens the problem.
We need to get over our obsession with individual rights and be more sensible regarding campus safety.
posted 10/19/09 1:47:26 PM by Anon
This counterpoint seems to have been written with a heavy combination of ignorance and stupidity. Does Ms. Huyng realize concealed carry is more than simply throwing a gun in your back pocket? Her statement of "they will not take the time and effort to train themselves" seems to indicate she isn't aware. Lastly her quote on "obsession with individual rights" makes me wonder, does she care about her rights? Or just those rights that could help her out. Maybe before Ms. Huyng decides to join a debate she should fully understand the facts. All of this, by the way, is coming from someone opposed to a majority of the NRA's actions and has never fired a gun.posted 10/24/09 7:45:32 AM by A concerned reader
It appears to me that Ms. Huyng has taken it upon herself to ignore recent case law involving the 2nd amendment. About a year and a half ago, the Supreme Court handed down its ruling in District of Columbia v. Heller. The result: The District's total ban on handguns was unconstitutional as it infringed upon the individual's right to self defense. The court ruled that the second amendment me applied to the same people as the first and fourth amendments. While the second amendment mentioned a well trained militia being necessary, this is in addition to the individual's right to self defense, not instead of. In addition, in order to obtain a concealed carry license in Oklahoma, a training course is required.posted 12/1/09 3:19:50 AM by blah blah blah
lol, people. The writers are PAID to write on different sides. Who the hell gives a flying poo about keeping guns or not. Grow some common sense, rednecksDo Some Talkin’ Back
Disclaimer
The opinions expressed in all Talkback Forums are those of individual writers and not of The Collegian or its staff. The Collegian reserves the right to remove posts as it sees fit.
^ Top of Page