Spring Break
Guns on campus do not provide us safety
Patrick Fancher
Issue date: 4/20/09 Section: Forum
This last week was referred to as "Second Amendment Week" and was brought to OSU campus courtesy of the College Republicans. Although I'm a Democrat and for the most part disagree with purpose of some of these events I still think they're an important step in bringing more publicity to our campus. I enjoy seeing college students take an active interest in our rights and making an effort to get their peers involved, regardless of political preference.
I'm not as anti-gun as other liberal-minded folks. I support a person's right to own a firearm, but only for the purposes of hunting and home defense. I do think there's an appropriate time and place for guns to be carried or used. However, a college campus is just not one of them.
First off, there's a certain amount of maturity involved in owning a gun. Seldom have I seen a college-aged gun owner who handled a gun safely or for its intended purpose. Gun owners must provide a convincing argument as to why people should be able to carry a concealed weapon other than their right to do so under the Second Amendment.
We're not exposed to imminent threats on campus; I seriously doubt any grizzly bears or cougars will be invading our campus any time soon, other than when their respective universities come to OSU for sporting events.
Conservative radio host Lars Larson mentioned that people carrying concealed weapons "makes students safer" during his live broadcast from the MU quad last Thursday. I couldn't disagree more. Having students armed is more of a safety risk than an appropriate means of protection. I refuse to be protected by fellow students who choose to arm themselves. I believe only accidents and serious injuries would be the results if the administrative rules were changed.
There's also a misconception that only law-abiding citizens purchase or own guns, and can receive concealed weapons permits. If this were true, we wouldn't see so many gun-related crimes appearing in the mainstream media. According to statistics gathered by the Associated Press, mass shootings caused 57 people their lives all over the country last month.
I'm not as anti-gun as other liberal-minded folks. I support a person's right to own a firearm, but only for the purposes of hunting and home defense. I do think there's an appropriate time and place for guns to be carried or used. However, a college campus is just not one of them.
First off, there's a certain amount of maturity involved in owning a gun. Seldom have I seen a college-aged gun owner who handled a gun safely or for its intended purpose. Gun owners must provide a convincing argument as to why people should be able to carry a concealed weapon other than their right to do so under the Second Amendment.
We're not exposed to imminent threats on campus; I seriously doubt any grizzly bears or cougars will be invading our campus any time soon, other than when their respective universities come to OSU for sporting events.
Conservative radio host Lars Larson mentioned that people carrying concealed weapons "makes students safer" during his live broadcast from the MU quad last Thursday. I couldn't disagree more. Having students armed is more of a safety risk than an appropriate means of protection. I refuse to be protected by fellow students who choose to arm themselves. I believe only accidents and serious injuries would be the results if the administrative rules were changed.
There's also a misconception that only law-abiding citizens purchase or own guns, and can receive concealed weapons permits. If this were true, we wouldn't see so many gun-related crimes appearing in the mainstream media. According to statistics gathered by the Associated Press, mass shootings caused 57 people their lives all over the country last month.
Note: writers will not reply to comments.
Viewing Comments 1 - 10 of 13
Kyle
posted 4/20/09 @ 2:51 PM PST
I cannot believe how far off base you are. Have you forgotten about Virginia Tech?? Only four legged creatures are what we should worry about? gimme a break its the people I worry about. (Continued…)
Bill Brooks
posted 4/20/09 @ 4:39 PM PST
I just sent a letter to the editor about this article. It said the following:
First, I exercise my right to carry to protect other non-luxury rights like my rights to life, liberty, and property which may be stolen by force because the only way to counter a force is with another force. (Continued…)
Gun-toting Student
posted 4/20/09 @ 4:53 PM PST
The slanted view of the Barometer at its finest. Since when did the opinion of the author become fact? You need to get your facts straight Patrick. You state that a person should be legally able to own a firearm for the purposes of hunting and home defense. (Continued…)
Leigh
posted 4/20/09 @ 6:21 PM PST
In Connecticut there are two college students that want a law passed that will allow concealed handguns on campus. Please check out my article/blog and let me know your opinion on the matter. (Continued…)
JPC
posted 4/20/09 @ 9:25 PM PST
I've said this many times before, but it's worth reiterating. Although cretins like Eric Hill think they ought to be able to tell law-abiding citizens when and where they can protect themselves, there isn't a damn thing they can do regarding concealed handguns on campus. (Continued…)
Aaron Schuff
posted 4/20/09 @ 11:21 PM PST
OSU has a rifle and a pistol club which, to my knowledge, has a spotless record. I believe this disproves the theory that college-aged kids aren't capable of handling firearms safely or for their intended purposes. (Continued…)
Jim
posted 4/21/09 @ 5:54 AM PST
A simple reminder to people advocating "gun free zones", or anything similar (ie no concealed carry on a campus). The mass shootings of my lifetime can be summed up rather simply. (Continued…)
Bob
posted 4/22/09 @ 11:47 AM PST
What about RAPE?
This article is so disappointing and misinformed. As an alum of OSU I am embarrassed that an article so obviously jaded and lacking of any type of actual research or fact is printed in the Barometer. (Continued…)
Mike
posted 4/22/09 @ 6:01 PM PST
Patrick may want to read yesterday's article in the democrat herald: "Corvallis cougar sighted, attacked local house cat"
"A young cougar has been prowling the woods near northwest Corvallis neighborhoods, and the cat poses a potential danger to people because it isn't wary of humans, according to the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife. (Continued…)
Sean
posted 4/22/09 @ 10:36 PM PST
Forget about VT, forget about NY and forget about cougars attacking house cats for a minute... Does no one remember Kip Kinkle? 15 y/o that killed his parents and a number of class mates right there in Corvallis? Please give Patrick a long homework assignment and keep him out of the editorials. (Continued…)
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