LETTER: Gun Control not an option

Dear Editor,

The Campus Democrats on the Utah State University campus recently asked me if I was a registered voter, and then asked if I would like to sign their petition.

When I asked what it was for they said, “The Utah Safe to Learn – Safe to Worship Act.” I thought it was something to do with protecting my freedom of speech and freedom of religion. As I browsed through a pamphlet I soon realized how wrong I was. The “Utah Safe to Learn – Safe to Worship Act” is actually an act designed to infringe upon the rights given to us in the Second Amendment of the Constitution.

This petition “prohibits persons, including those who hold concealed firearm permits, from the unauthorized carrying of firearms in primary and secondary schools, institutions of higher education and places of worship.” It gives the exceptions to law enforcement, persons with special permission from authorized representatives of the school or place of worship and for secure storage in an unoccupied vehicle.

I am sorry if I do not feel safer by giving a school representative the right to have the discretion about who can carry a gun or not.

One possible solution could be in education. I was very fortunate in my youth to have a father who as an avid hunter and sportsman taught me proper use, care of and respect for firearms. Education has given me a greater knowledge and respect for the use of firearms. I would hope if reform is needed to gun laws that these laws will put firearms into schools instead of taking them out. My worst fear is looking into the barrel of a gun that is in the hands of someone who does not know what exactly is going to happen when they pull the trigger.

Please do not sign a petition before you investigate it more thoroughly. I especially ask you to not sign a petition that will take away the rights that our forefathers so bravely died to defend.

Ryan E. Van Sickle