LETTER: Guns are not the solution

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 Second 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 U.S. citizens – how often are attacks by crazed, meth-addicted 250-pound men carried out on strangers? We would venture to say not often.

Although Tobais argued that accidents related to firearms are among the lowest in the 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 United States is 12 times greater than in 25 other industrialized nations combined. We would not consider an average of 10 children per day a “minuscule” number no matter what ridiculous comparison is made. Those dying are our family, friends, and our children. 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 SageRayna Sage