OUR VIEW: Concealed weapons caught in crossfire

Packing heat is always a hot-button topic, and heat has been turned up on campus. The USU College Republicans recently hosted a class, as they do each semester, where students could earn a state permit to carry a concealed weapon. The second amendment to the U.S. Constitution gives the right to all people to bear arms without infringement of Congress.

    Thinking back to the unfortunate events that occurred at Virginia Tech University and that have occurred at high schools and colleges nationwide, the idea of concealed weapons may seem like a safety net. In theory, an armed person could potentially disarm a gunman in a dangerous situation, potentially sparing lives in the process.

    However, the idea of having many students on campus carrying a concealed weapon is disconcerting. Yes, a lot of damage could be averted if a legally armed person could disable a gunman on a rampage, but would they?

    Does that theoretical person have the training, quick-thinking and capacity of conscience to take action when it is needed? The chance of avoiding an already unlikely situation may not be worth allowing concealed weapons to be carried on campus.

    Those who pass the required course to obtain a concealed weapons permit are not required to take any further training. Accidents happen to the best of people and carrying a gun around campus would only heighten the possibility of an accident. 

    However, it is also likely that the potential for tragedy may not increase due to concealed weapons – someone who cares to go the legal route of obtaining a concealed weapon is not often the same person who will use it inappropriately. Those who would misuse a weapon and cause harm to others are likely to employ whatever means necessary to obtain destructive materials, be it a gun or a bomb or a vehicle.

    We respect the right to bear arms, and applaud the organizations on campus that facilitate the process of obtaining a legal weapons permit. In a world where bad people will always have guns, we are comforted by the idea that good people are able to carry them as well. However, we also feel slightly uncomfortable with the idea of sitting next to a loaded gun during class and on the quad.