Another Attack of the "Maybes"

Following on the heels of Unc's takedown of the hypothetical anti-gunner, which I linked to here, comes another one I just turned up on Google Snooze Alerts. I have to think this editorial board still checks for monsters under the bed every night.

Collegiate Times Editorial: Concealed guns have no place in a campus classroom

Guns aren't conducive to the learning environment and the fact that anyone could have a firearm in a bag will inevitably create anxiety on campus. For every person who feels safer with a gun, there are many more who aren't comfortable with the idea of fellow classmates carrying a weapon.

But, if it were "in a bag" how would you know? Then again, just because you'd be uncomfortable, does that automatically put you in the majority? Speak for self.

Of course, if students have the full intention of coming to campus for the sake of shooting someone, they will disregard the policy and bring a gun anyway.

Yes, they will. If this ever happens, who will protect you? Will you just sit under a table, waiting for your turn?

However, a further danger is a student impulsively taking out his or her gun.

And why, praytell, would a student do this?

Taking out a gun in self-defense isn't usually the best first option,

No, the best first option is to avoid situations that would put you in danger. The second option is to confront your attacker with overwhelming force. That's what you meant, I'm sure. Not any of this "reasoning" stuff I hear from lesser educated people.

yet gun holders may have a tendency to resort to it immediately.

I see. Taking positive steps to protect yourself is an impulsive act. Maybe. Got it.

With bars so close to campus, all it takes is a drunken argument in the dorms after a night of drinking for there to be a potential issue.

Why use a gun when you could just throw someone out of a window? There are windows in dorms, yes? Sounds like a potential issue that needs to be looked into.

Even if someone doesn't intend to pull the trigger, students may use a gun as an intimidation factor by just pulling it out when arguing with someone in a classroom, a residence hall, or in Lane Stadium.

Hmm, never thought of that. I should have brought my M-16 to those night classes I took overseas. My grades may have been better.

There are too many opportunities to abuse the option of carrying a concealed weapon. Tech is responsible for the safety of every student and staff member, and that task is difficult enough without adding the unnecessary factor of concealed weapons.

Ah, you missed one. "There may be too many opportunities...." You went and switched up on me. Shame.

It's not in the best interest of the student body to allow students to walk around campus or into a peer's room with a gun.

It certainly wasn't in the best interest of the victims at Virginia Tech, that's for sure. Of course, at that time, your recommendations were in place, weren't they?

Prohibiting concealed weapons ultimately does more to prevent violence than allowing students to carry guns for self-defense would.

You underestimate your fellow students. Especially the ones who choose to not only exercise their rights, but also may be the ones who save your life the next time someone decides to shoot up a school.

There are times I weep for our future.