Letter: Concealed weapon protest
Tuesday, October 23, 2007; 9:48 PM
Fellow Hokies, have you noticed? Some of your colleagues have been wearing empty holsters this week, participating with thousands of other students across the country in a protest.

They are wearing these to encourage you to consider what it means to carry a concealed handgun, specifically on campus. I know it might seem awkward to glance at someone's waistline, and certainly don't get your self into trouble, but please take note. Some people wear ribbons, T-shirts, or hats to voice certain things, and this is no different.

If you missed Friday's CT, I'll recap. The protest is organized by Students for Concealed Carry on Campus (SCCC), www.ConcealedCampus.org, and encourages participation by simply wearing an empty holster this week and going about your normal day. This passive protest approach is meant to show that advocates of this right are just like you and me, and are comfortable with carrying to protect themselves (and potentially others).

While I could take this opportunity to argue many of the points of this debate, I will instead encourage you to consider them and read up on your own, and then discuss them with others. For more information and to discuss this, check out the various Facebook groups, the SCCC Web site, and Friday's CT article — you can find that at collegiatetimes.com and search for "concealed carry." There is a great discussion going on there, too.

If you see a participant, please voice your opinion! I'll acknowledge "I support concealed carry" or "that's not going to work" in my general direction, as well as stopping to engage and discuss. I know many of us will be using our voices Thursday night, why not give it to this, too?

Ken Stanton

Ph.D. Student, Engineering Education

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Posted by: Ken at 10/25/07 Please elaborate - how does this create anxiety, suspicion, and negativity? As an engineer, I also know that a weapon cannot hurt anyone unless it is activated, i.e. the trigger is pulled when aimed at someone - a person has to do this. Arguing that guns themselves are dangerous might easily be compared to cars. Control of 4000lb at 65mph is a huge responsibility. On that note, do you worry about someone driving up on the sidewalk and running you over? Some mentally ill person might do that, but then again, there are no background checks (including mental health history) to get a driver's license. If you believe there are other 'solutions' - propose them. It is hard to hear an argument that smarter solutions exist, but not have them presented. Flag Abuse
Posted by: Anonymous at 10/25/07 What are you doing? Honestly, I think what you're doing is just causing more anxiety, suspicion, and overall a negative approach to "protecting" yourself. As an engineer myself, try to think of another smarter solution then just guns. Flag Abuse






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