Guns Do Not Equal Protection
Dear Editor,
There are several issues we would like to address regarding Janalee Tobais’ visit to USU. First and foremost, the founding fathers of this county were anything but feminists! Women were not afforded the right to vote until 1920 (144 years after the signing of the constitution) and in its original form, the 2nd Amendment did not apply to anyone who was not white, male, and a landowner.
Tobais claimed women face daily “harassment”, warranting the need to carry a gun. What “daily” circumstances justify the use of a gun on a harasser? The number of women who find themselves in situations where gun use is theoretically needed is small compared to the 30,000 people who died from gunshots in 1998. Tobais argued that the media has distorted the effects of guns on loss of human life, we would argue the same media has distorted the pervasive risk to women and US citizens – how often are attacks by crazed, meth-addicted 250-pound men carried out on strangers? We would venture to say not often (especially since it would be extremely difficult for a meth-addict to maintain a healthy weight of 250 pounds).
Although Tobais argued that accidents related to firearms are among the lowest in nation, the Center for Disease Control and Prevention reported that the rate of children under the age of 15 being killed by firearms in the US is 12 times greater than in 25 other industrialized nations COMBINED. We would not consider an average of ten children per day a “miniscule” number no matter what ridiculous comparison is made. Those dying are our family, friends, and our children. Take a step back and look at your fellow citizens and really question why you fear your neighbor. The United States has developed such a culture of fear (see Bowling for Columbine for more on this) that many women feel they cannot walk down the street without looking over their shoulder; where some women feel it necessary to make public statements about protecting their families with deadly force. This is not to say that we should not take steps towards enabling ourselves against violence, but guns are not the answer. Contrary to Tobais’ assertion that “thousands of dollars and years of self-defense classes can’t protect you”, learning to use your own body in response to a threatening situation is the BEST way to protect yourself. Techniques taught by self-defense instructors are built on principles of quick response and utilizing one’s strengths to overcome those of larger stature. Let’s follow the lead of countries like Canada and find a safe alternative for limited gun use in our society.
Jeremy Sage, Environment & Society Graduate StudentRayna Sage, Family, Consumer, & Human Development Graduate Student
Contact Information: Jeremy Sage, 797-8319 (w), 787-4098 (h), jlsage@cc.usu.edu Rayna Sage, 797-8786 (w), raynasage@cc.usu.edu 453 W 200 N Logan, UT 84321
Please do not edit without authors’ approval.